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{Prayer and Listening} #1

 CONVERSATION WITH GOD_ 

If you want a picture of what it looks like to connect with God, you might start by looking at how God interacted with someone God called a friend. One such friend was Abraham (see Isaiah 41:8, 2 Chron 20:7 & James 2:23).  
Abraham’s friendship with God was characterised by ongoing conversations. Recorded in Genesis 12-22 (perhaps many more weren’t recorded), these conversations are filled with the back-and-forth elements of close communication – questions, guesses, reassertions, calculated pauses, statements of fear and doubt, careful restatements of each other’s thoughts. 
Yet, how often do we neglect to learn the art of conversation with God? 
Perhaps we don’t feel like we’re “good enough” to talk with God? 
But if goodness were a qualification, Abraham would’ve been excluded. 
For example, just after Abraham had a conversation with God (filled with miracles and visions), he showed a lack of confidence in God. He agreed to Sarah’s ‘plan’ of conceiving a child with Hagar instead of trusting that God would miraculously provide the promised child through Sarah. 
But even after that, God continued to converse with Abraham. 
Righteousness is an outgrowth of conversation with God, not a prerequisite. 

 

[Group discussion starter] What elements that make for good conversation also make for prayerful conversation with God? 

 

The following three passages record a few of the many conversations between God and Abraham. In previous conversations God gave Abram (his original name) vast land and promised him offspring (Genesis 13:14-17). In the following conversations Abram asks God questions about these promises... 

 

[Read Genesis 15:1-16] 

 

How would you describe this interaction between God and Abram? 

 

What is the first question that Abram asks? 
Why do you think Abram felt the freedom to ask the almighty God any question at all, even this question? 

 

What do you make of God's response in verses 4-5 – not just saying words but taking Abram outside and giving him a visual metaphor? 

What does Abram's question in verse 8 indicate to you about his relationship with God? 

 

If you were in a prayer conversation with God, and God said "Know for certain that..." (verse 13), how might God finish the sentence? What do you believe God has been trying to help you "know for certain" lately? 

 

[Read Genesis 17:15-22] 

 

What details of the covenant did Abraham question to himself and to God? 

 

When has God answered you with "Yes, but..." (verse 19) or "I have heard you" (verse 20)? 

 

[Read Genesis 18:1-15] 

 

How did God appear to Abraham? 

 

It has been said that humans think they're "in charge" of their prayer, relegating certain time and topics. Conversing with God means the Holy Spirit leads you, and you are no longer "in charge" of your prayer. In what ways are you tempted to try and be "in charge" or your prayers? 

 

God's conversations with Abram/Abraham were full of drama – starry nights, smoking firepots, mysterious visitors. These were all props God chose for their conversations. How open are you to letting God set the terms for prayer conversations with you? 
What prayer attitudes or activities might help you increase your openness to God? 

 

The famous description in Hebrews includes Abraham's complete confidence in God (faith). How might his conversations with God have developed such a faith? 

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