Part I of Building a relationship with God; the importance of prayer

The first step in living the life of abundance that God wants for you is to develop a relationship with God. A relationship with God is built through prayer, reading his word and doing what he asks of us; three simple steps. In this writing we will address some of the key points to prayer.

God is the most loving, compassionate father that can possibly be imagined. He likes to hear from his children just as any good father would. So just how do we speak with God? The good news is you don't need any special skills, or need to use any special prayer or big words. Just speak with an open, loving, heart and let Him know what's on your mind.

Keep it simple and sincere. Matthew tells us that our prayers don't need to be long dissertations.

Matthew 6:7; And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.

It is best to find a quiet place to pray; a place where there won't be any distractions.

Matthew 6:6; But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

But you can pray anywhere, any time; the most important thing is to go to God with a sincere heart. Pray while you are working, driving your car or even the shower.

Speak with God often, not just when you have a problem. How would we feel, as parents, if our children only spoke with us if they needed something? Mom or Dad can I have $20 to go to the Mall? Or can I borrow the car tonight? Wouldn't you feel taken advantage of or used? You probably wouldn't feel very loved. How do you think God feels when the only time He hears from us is when we have a problem?

Be grateful and thankful for everything you have because all things come from God.

Colossians 1:16; For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.

1 Chronicles 16:34; Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Let me share with you a wonderful little exercise that will really brighten you day. When you first wake up in the morning say good morning to God, thank Him for another day of life and tell Him three things that you are grateful for. Do this for one week and see the change that occurs in your life. You will find yourself more at ease, happier and joyful.

Thank God for what you have and be grateful. If you think that you don't have much, hop in your car and take a short trip to a homeless shelter, a nursing home or visit a local jail. Think about it; you have a lot to be thankful for.

Praise God when you pray. Just as we like to hear that we've done a good job, so does God. Have you ever had a job where you worked really hard to do well and your boss didn't say a word of thanks or told you that you did a good job?

Psalm 100:4; Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

We must understand that as human beings, we are not perfect; we will occasionally stumble and fall. The important thing to remember is that what we have done is NOT the important issue. The important thing is what we learn from our failings and what we do about it in the future. We must understand that there are consequences to all of our actions. God has given us a way to completely erase our sins and short falls through his son Jesus Christ. This allows us to eternally be His children and experience His blessings and peace.

Acts 13:38; "Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.

Ask for God's forgiveness, it will be given and God will no longer remember your sins.

Hebrews 8:12; For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.

What a wonderful thing! Each time we ask for forgiveness, we are given a clean slate. God gives us a fresh start. That's pretty remarkable.

That doesn't mean that we can just keep on doing whatever is sinful and keep asking for forgiveness all the time. We have to make an effort to not repeat our shortcomings, we have to be sincere. If you need help in overcoming your shortcomings, just ask for God's help and he will give it.

Philippians 4:13; I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

We must forgive others in order for us to be forgiven. Many of us were taught the Lords prayer when we were children but how many of us have really evaluated the words?

Matthew 6:12; Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

In other words forgive us in the same fashion as we forgive others. Think about that for a second. If we don't forgive others, we ourselves won't be forgiven. Clearly this verse makes forgiving others a key concern.

Matthew 6:15; But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.

God will listen to you and He will answer your prayers according to your belief. That's a promise that is stated many times in the Bible.

Mark 11:24; Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Matthew 21:22; If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.

Take the first step in developing a relationship with God; talk to him. He is always with you, never takes a vacation and he always answers his calls. God love you, and wants you to live a wonderful abundant life. Give God a chance; invite Him into your life.

About The Author David is a native of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Over the years David has owned several businesses and has continued his study of self-help and positive thinking. David studied Buddhism for over ten years and positive thinking and the Bible for over 30 years. David's extensive study allows him to address modern day topics with a unique perspective that encompasses new age concepts, eastern thinking and traditional Christian thinking. If you would like to know more about how God wants us to live a life of abundance, please visit David's website. http://thebiblespellsitout.com