About this course: Prayer and Hearing God is a free online course offered by Chill with God for personal spiritual growth only. Chill with God is not a registered nonprofit organization or church. The course is not accredited, and completing it does not grant a degree, ordination, license or ministry credential. The certificate of completion simply recognizes that you finished the lessons. The course is not professional counseling, legal or medical advice. If you are struggling, please talk with a pastor, a licensed counselor or your doctor. We encourage you to test everything you learn against Scripture.
Lesson 1: God Wants to Talk With Us
Welcome. You don't need special words, a special place or a perfect heart to pray. This first lesson is about one simple truth: God wants a relationship with you.
Scripture readings
Jeremiah 33:3
‘Call to me, and I will answer you, and will show you great and difficult things, which you don’t know.’
John 10:27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
James 4:8
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
The lesson
Hello, friends. Welcome to the first lesson of Prayer and Hearing God.
Have you ever felt that prayer was something only special people do? It isn't. Prayer is simply talking with God, and He loves when we do.
In Jeremiah 33:3, God says, “Call to me, and I will answer you, and will show you great and difficult things, which you don’t know.” He invites us to call, and He promises to answer.
Jesus said in John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” A shepherd and his sheep know each other. That's the kind of closeness God wants with you.
And James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” We take one small step toward Him, and He comes toward us.
You don't have to pray perfectly. You can just say, “God, I'm here.” Try it today. Take one minute, be honest with Him, and see what He does.
Next time, we'll look at how Jesus taught us to pray. God bless you.
Reflection questions
Private, for your own journal.
- What do I picture when I think of praying?
- What does “draw near to God” mean to me?
- What is one thing I can say to Him today?
Quiz
Closing prayer
Father, thank You that You want to talk with me. Help me draw near to You today, just as I am. Teach me to listen and to trust You. In Jesus' name, amen.
Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible (WEB), which is in the public domain.
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