Talking with God-Not Just to Him.

Gary L Ellis
Jun 16
5 min read

Updated: Nov 22

Let’s be honest. Most of us were taught how to pray to God.

But few of us were ever taught how to talk with Him. Like, actually have a conversation. Back and forth. Real. Relational. Less like a monologue. More like real talk with a friend.

The Bible is more than an ancient book of rules or comfort verses stuck on fridge magnets. It’s a conversation starter. A way in. A way back. A way through.

So let’s explore how to have a living, breathing, two-way conversation with God using Scripture — not just reading it but talking through it.

1. Start with Listening, Not Talking

“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” — 1 Samuel 3:9

We usually come to God ready to unload.But good conversation starts with listening. Scripture gives us God’s side of the conversation — His tone, His heart, His repeated themes of mercy, justice, presence, and love.

Instead of jumping in with “Dear God, please fix everything,” try opening the Psalms and listening. Psalm 139, for instance, reminds you that He already knows your words before you speak them. That’s not to shut you up — it’s to invite you deeper.

Ask questions like:

What are You, Lord, revealing about Yourself here?
What might You be saying to me right now through this passage?

As the conversation continues, more questions will come to mind, and a sense of His answers will arise from your heart.

Listening to Scripture this way tunes your ears to a frequency deeper than your own anxieties.

It’s also very important to remember what God’s voice will sound like as He answers. They’ll sound like love. I don’t mean Hallmark Card sayings love. I mean, 1 Corinthians 13:4–8 kind of love.

His thoughts will also match the fruit of His Spirit found in Galatians 5:22–23.

As well as the words of 1 Corinthians, Paul speaks about the qualities of prophecy. In other words, God’s communication with us will be of the same qualities.

“But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging, and comfort.”— 1 Corinthians 14:3 (NIV)

2. Turn Verses into Questions

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find.” — Matthew 7:7

Scripture was never meant to be studied like a science textbook. It’s more like a conversation starter or even a love letter, with lines that beg for interaction.

Try this:

Read a verse.
Then turn it into a question.

Example:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”Ask: What am I wanting right now? Am I letting Him shepherd that part of me?

God’s Word is layered. Every verse can become a doorway to reflection, vulnerability, and unexpected answers. If you let it.

3. Insert Yourself Into the Story

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us…” — Romans 15:4

Jesus spoke in parables for a reason. Stories stick.They invite you in.

Take a story like the woman at the well (John 4).Now imagine you’re her. You’re showing up tired and empty and carrying shame. And Jesus starts a conversation with you. What does He say? What do you say back?

Don’t just study the story.

Step into it.

That’s how the Bible becomes alive. And that’s how prayer stops being a monologue and starts becoming a meaningful exchange.

4. Don’t Just Memorize Scripture — Respond to It

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” — Colossians 3:16

Memorizing verses is good. But even better?Answering them.

When Jesus says, “Come to me, all who are weary…” (Matthew 11:28), you can pause and say:

“Okay Lord… I am tired. I’m worn out. I don’t even know what kind of rest I need. But I’m coming. Here I am.”That’s not recitation.That’s relationship.

Think of it like this:When someone tells you they love you, you don’t just quote them back. You respond. Scripture is God’s ongoing “I love you.”

So talk back.

Engage with it.

5. Let Lament Be Part of the Conversation

“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?” — Psalm 13:1

God can handle your hard questions.Your grief. Your confusion. Even your silence.

The Psalms are filled with people yelling into the sky, doubting, weeping, cursing, and then circling back to trust. That’s not unspiritual. That’s honest.

So if you’re mad at God, say so. If you’re confused, tell Him. If you’re numb, whisper that too.

Use the Psalms to find your words when you have none. That’s still a conversation. And it’s some of the most sacred kind.

6. Pause and Ask, “God, What Do You Want Me to Notice?”

Sometimes we come to the Bible looking for something we want to say. But what if God is trying to say something first?

As you read, pause and ask:

“What’s standing out to me?”“What emotion is surfacing?”“Is this a nudge, a comfort, a challenge?”

Then write that down. Sit with it. Let that verse or phrase echo throughout your day. You’ll be surprised how often it circles back around at just the right time.

7. Don’t Just Quote Scripture. Let It Quote You.

“The word of God is alive and active… it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” — Hebrews 4:12

Have you ever read something in Scripture and thought, “Ouch. That hit a little too close”?

Good. That means it’s working.

Let the Bible read you.Let it call you out. Not in shame. But in that soul-level honesty that only God can get away with.

You don’t have to pretend with Him. You don’t have to come polished. You just have to come open. And let His Word reflect what’s real.

8. Remember: Jesus is the Word — So You’re Never Just Reading a Book

“The Word became flesh and dwelled among us…” — John 1:14

When you interact with Scripture, you’re interacting with the living Christ.

This isn’t about Bible study methods or memory drills. This is about communion. A living, back-and-forth friendship with the One who already knows you and loves you through every chapter of your story.

You’re not just talking about God.You’re talking with Him.And He’s still speaking.