In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to lose sight of the simple and pure connection that we can have with our heavenly Father. In Matthew 6:6, we are encouraged to approach God with childlike communication, embracing the innocence, trust, and vulnerability that comes naturally to children. This article explores the importance of fostering a childlike relationship with God, reminding us of the power and beauty that lies in our heartfelt conversations with Him. So, leave behind the complexities of adulthood for a moment, and let’s discover the profound impact of childlike communication with the Father.
Understanding Childlike Communication
Childlike communication is a unique and profound way of connecting with God. It involves approaching Him with the innocence, trust, and openness of a child. In this form of communication, we lay aside our adult concerns, fears, and complexities, and simply address God with a childlike heart. This type of communication allows us to experience a deeper level of intimacy with our Heavenly Father and embrace the simplicity and beauty of a child’s faith.
Definition of Childlike Communication
Childlike communication can be defined as the innocent and authentic way in which we communicate with God. It is a form of prayer that is characterized by trust, dependence, and a sincere desire to seek God’s presence. It is a conscious choice to connect with God on a heart-to-heart level, allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, and approaching Him with a humble and open spirit.
Importance of Childlike Communication in Spiritual Life
Childlike communication plays a vital role in our spiritual life for several reasons. Firstly, it fosters a deeper connection with God. By approaching Him with the simplicity and purity of a child, we are able to experience a more intimate relationship with Him. Secondly, it helps us cultivate a genuine and authentic faith. Childlike communication encourages us to trust God wholeheartedly and believe in His promises without doubting. Lastly, it reminds us of our dependence on God as our Heavenly Father and encourages us to rely on Him for guidance, provision, and protection.
The Father in Matthew 6:6
In Matthew 6:6, Jesus teaches us about the importance of childlike communication with the Father. He says, “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.” This verse emphasizes the significance of private prayer and the intimacy it allows us to have with God. By going into our “room” and closing the door, we create a sacred space where we can freely communicate with our Heavenly Father and experience His presence in a profound way.
Characteristics of Childlike Communication
Trust and Dependence
One of the key characteristics of childlike communication is trust and dependence on God. Similar to how a child wholeheartedly trusts their parents, we are called to trust God with the same level of unwavering confidence. This trust involves surrendering our worries, fears, and burdens to Him, knowing that He will take care of us.
Authenticity and Vulnerability
Childlike communication is rooted in authenticity and vulnerability. It encourages us to approach God without masks or pretenses, laying bare our true selves before Him. It gives us the freedom to express our emotions, doubts, and struggles honestly, knowing that God accepts us just as we are.
Pure and Simple Faith
Childlike communication is characterized by a pure and simple faith. It involves believing in God’s faithfulness, goodness, and love without overanalyzing or questioning His intentions. It is a faith that doesn’t rely on human understanding or logic, but rather on a genuine belief in God’s power and sovereignty.
Practical Steps for Childlike Communication
Approaching God with Humility
To engage in childlike communication, it is essential to approach God with humility. This involves recognizing our own limitations and acknowledging God’s greatness and authority. We can express our humility through prayers of surrender, acknowledging our dependence on Him, and seeking His will above our own.
Praying in Private
As emphasized in Matthew 6:6, engaging in childlike communication often requires finding a quiet and private space where we can be alone with God. This allows us to eliminate distractions and fully focus on our conversation with Him. By creating a dedicated space for prayer, we create an environment that encourages openness and vulnerability.
Creating a Sacred Space
In addition to praying in private, creating a sacred space can enhance our childlike communication experience. This can be achieved by setting up a designated area for prayer, such as a cozy corner or an altar adorned with meaningful symbols or objects. This sacred space serves as a visual reminder of our intention to connect with God and can help cultivate a sense of reverence and tranquility during our prayer time.
Obstacles to Childlike Communication
Pride and Self-Sufficiency
One of the primary obstacles to childlike communication is pride and self-sufficiency. When we rely too heavily on our own abilities, knowledge, and self-reliance, we may struggle to approach God with the humility and trust required for childlike communication. Overcoming pride involves recognizing our need for God’s guidance and surrendering our self-sufficiency to Him.
Doubt and Fear
Doubt and fear can hinder our ability to engage in childlike communication. When we allow doubts and fears to consume us, it becomes challenging to trust God wholeheartedly and approach Him with the faith of a child. Overcoming doubt and fear involves intentionally choosing to believe in God’s promises and replacing negative thoughts with the truth of His Word.
Distractions and Busyness
In our fast-paced and busy lives, distractions can abound and make it difficult to engage in childlike communication. The constant noise and busyness can disrupt our focus and hinder our ability to hear God’s voice. Overcoming distractions and busyness requires intentional efforts to create a quiet and uninterrupted space for prayer, and setting aside dedicated time to communicate with God.
Overcoming Obstacles and Deepening the Connection
Letting Go of Control
One way to overcome obstacles to childlike communication is by letting go of control. Surrendering our desires, plans, and worries to God allows us to trust Him fully and deepen our connection with Him. By relinquishing control, we position ourselves to receive whatever God has in store for us and experience His peace and guidance.
Cultivating a Daily Prayer Routine
Consistency is key when it comes to childlike communication. Cultivating a daily prayer routine sets a regular rhythm for connecting with God. It can involve setting aside a specific time each day and dedicating it solely to prayer. Establishing this routine helps develop a habit of seeking God’s presence, allowing us to grow in our intimacy with Him.
Seeking Stillness and Silence
In a world filled with constant noise and distractions, seeking stillness and silence is crucial. These moments of quiet reflection and solitude provide opportunities for us to listen to God’s voice and experience His presence in a profound way. By intentionally seeking stillness and silence, we create space for childlike communication to flourish.
Childlike Communication as a Lifelong Journey
Growing in Trust and Surrender
Childlike communication is not a one-time event but rather a lifelong journey of growing in trust and surrender. As we continue to deepen our relationship with God, we learn to trust Him more fully and surrender areas of our lives that we hold onto tightly. This ongoing process of growth requires continual reliance on God’s grace and a willingness to place our trust in Him.
Embracing God as a Loving Father
In childlike communication, we have the privilege of embracing God as our loving Father. This relationship allows us to experience His unconditional love, care, and provision. As we grow in our understanding of God’s fatherly love, we can approach Him with the same trust, dependency, and affection that a child has for their earthly father.
Nurturing a Relationship with God
Childlike communication nurtures and strengthens our relationship with God. By consistently engaging in this form of communication, we foster a deep sense of intimacy and closeness with Him. Through prayer, we express our love, gratitude, and adoration to God, while also seeking His guidance, wisdom, and comfort.
Biblical Examples of Childlike Communication
Jesus and His Relationship with the Father
Jesus serves as the ultimate example of childlike communication. Throughout His ministry, Jesus maintained a deep and intimate relationship with God the Father. He often retreated to solitary places to pray, demonstrating the importance of creating a sacred space for communication with God. Jesus’ unwavering trust in His Father’s will, even in the face of great suffering, exemplifies the pure and simple faith characteristic of childlike communication.
The Faith of Abraham
Abraham’s faith in God’s promises can also be seen as an example of childlike communication. Despite his old age and the seemingly impossible nature of God’s promises, Abraham believed God and trusted in His faithfulness. His obedience and willingness to leave everything behind, including his homeland, demonstrate the profound trust he had in God, akin to the trust and dependence of a child.
The Psalmist’s Honest Prayers
Throughout the book of Psalms, we see the Psalmist engaging in childlike communication with God. The Psalmist pours out his heart to God, expressing a range of emotions, doubts, and struggles. But amidst the honesty and vulnerability, there is also a steadfast belief in God’s goodness and a desire to seek Him wholeheartedly. The Psalmist’s prayers exemplify the authenticity and vulnerability inherent in childlike communication.
Benefits of Childlike Communication
Deepening Intimacy with God
Childlike communication deepens our intimacy with God. By approaching Him with a heart of trust and vulnerability, we allow ourselves to experience His love and presence in a profound and personal way. As we engage in childlike communication, our relationship with God grows stronger, and our connection with Him becomes deeper.
Strengthening Faith and Hope
Engaging in childlike communication strengthens our faith and helps us cultivate a hopeful outlook. Through this form of prayer, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness and goodness, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. The childlike faith we exercise in our communication with God bolsters our belief in His promises and fills us with hope for the future.
Experiencing God’s Peace
Childlike communication leads us to experience the peace that surpasses all understanding. As we trust God with our burdens, doubts, and fears, we allow Him to bring His peace into our lives. This peace transcends our circumstances, bringing comfort and assurance that God is in control and will guide us through every situation.
Application in Daily Life
Incorporating Childlike Communication into Prayers
We can apply the principles of childlike communication by incorporating them into our daily prayers. This can involve intentionally approaching God with a heart of trust, vulnerability, and authenticity. We can express our dependence on Him, bring our joys and concerns before Him, and seek His guidance in all areas of life. By embracing childlike communication in our prayers, we foster a deeper connection with God and invite His presence into our daily lives.
Reflecting God’s Love towards Others
Childlike communication extends beyond our personal relationship with God. It also influences how we communicate with others. By reflecting God’s love, grace, and authenticity in our interactions, we can foster deeper and more meaningful relationships with those around us. Demonstrating childlike communication towards others involves listening, empathizing, and offering support with a sincere and open heart.
Living with a Childlike Wonder
Childlike communication invites us to live with a childlike wonder and awe for God’s creation. It encourages us to see the world through fresh eyes, finding joy in the simple pleasures and marveling at the beauty of God’s handiwork. Embracing this childlike wonder allows us to cultivate gratitude, foster a sense of awe, and experience God’s presence in the midst of everyday life.
Conclusion
Childlike communication is a powerful and transformative way to connect with our Heavenly Father. It involves approaching God with the trust, authenticity, and simplicity of a child. By embracing this form of communication, we deepen our intimacy with God, strengthen our faith, and experience His peace. Through practical steps such as approaching God with humility, praying in private, and creating a sacred space, we can overcome obstacles and nurture a lifelong journey of childlike communication. May we all embrace the beauty and power of childlike communication as we seek to know and be known by our loving Heavenly Father.
