How To Talk To God: A Simple Conversation Model

When my kids were young, we played a game of catch—not just to pass the time, but as a picture of how to talk to God in a simple, conversational way. This game taught them about real connection, both with people and with God.

I would toss the ball to one of them and ask, “What happened at school today?” They’d catch it, answer, and throw it back—just like a conversation with God.

That rhythm—throw, catch, respond, return—became a way of understanding conversation. To truly get to know someone, you have to keep the “ball” moving. You ask, listen, share, and stay engaged. However, if someone stops throwing it back, the connection stalls.

This same rhythm applies to our relationship with God. Just like we keep the ball moving in conversation, we can pray and listen to God, creating a true back-and-forth connection.

The Game of Catch: A Simple Model for How to Talk to God

Playing catch requires two things: engagement and rhythm. You can’t play alone. You throw the ball to someone else, trusting they’ll catch it—and respond.

In conversation, that’s exactly what happens: we send a question or a thought to someone else and wait for their response. That’s how we build connections.

When I taught my kids about conversation using this game, I wanted them to understand that getting to know someone isn’t about talking at them—it’s about sharing with them. As a result, this back-and-forth builds trust, understanding, and eventually, closeness.

“The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” – Proverbs 20:5 (ESV)

Drawing someone out requires presence, curiosity, and patience. It’s not rushed or one-sided. It’s a rhythm of pursuit and response.

The Same is True with People

Every meaningful relationship—whether with a spouse, friend, coworker, or child—requires this same intentional back-and-forth. We all know what it feels like when someone asks a question and then doesn’t really listen. Or when you try to share, but it doesn’t feel received.

Conversation is connection. When we’re really listening and responding, we’re honoring the other person. We’re saying, “You matter to me. I’m present with you.“

“…Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” — James 1:19 (NIV)

Therefore, when we drop the ball in our relationships—by not listening, not responding, or being distracted—the connection suffers. On the other hand, when we stay engaged, even in small moments, trust grows.

Playing Catch with God: How to Talk to Him Daily

This same principle applies beautifully to our relationship with God and how we talk to Him.

Sometimes, we treat our time with God like a checklist. We read a few verses, say a prayer, and move on. But what if we saw it as a conversation with God—like a living game of catch that deepens prayer and relationship?

God is always initiating. He throws the ball through His Word, creation, promptings of the Holy Spirit, and daily circumstances around us. For this reason, if we want to hear God’s voice and grow closer, our job is to notice—catch what He is saying—and respond.

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” — Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

“God is always initiating. Our job is to catch what He’s saying and respond.”

As a result, when we treat our time with God as interactive, not just instructional, we discover something deeper: He wants relationship, not performance. Such as a loving parent tossing a ball, He delights when we throw it back—when we pray, journal, worship, obey, and just sit with Him.

What Happens When We Stop Talking to God?

What happens when we drop the ball? In any relationship, when one person stops responding, the connection becomes strained. The same is true with God.

Sometimes, we get busy or distracted and stop listening for His voice. Other times, we feel disappointed, ashamed, or unsure how to respond—so we don’t. We might still “do the things” (go to church, read a devotional), but the conversation has stopped.

If that’s where you find yourself, here’s the good news: God is not like a disappointed coach waiting on the sidelines. He’s the patient, compassionate Father who is still holding the ball, ready to toss it your way again.

“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show you compassion…” — Isaiah 30:18 (NIV)

He doesn’t scold us for disconnecting—He invites us to rejoin the game. It’s never too late to respond.

Teaching Kids (and Ourselves) How to Talk to God

That simple game of catch with my kids didn’t just teach them how to talk to people—it became a way to teach them how to talk to God.

We can remind ourselves that God speaks—and we get to respond. And as with any conversation, it takes practice and intentionality.

• What do you think God might want to say to you today?
• Pray with honesty, listen quietly, and ask questions.
• Remember that God is not distant, but present and conversational.

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home…” — Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (NIV)

We don’t need perfect words. We just need willing hearts. Therefore, when we realize that we can throw the ball back to God—that He wants to hear from us—it builds intimacy and trust.

How to Talk to God and Keep the Conversation Going

Relationships grow through consistency, not perfection. Likewise, the same is true when deepening your prayer life and learning how to talk to God more personally.

You don’t have to have long, eloquent prayers. You don’t need to hear an audible voice. Just begin with something simple:

• “What do You want me to notice today?”
• “How do You want to encourage me?”
• “Lord, I’m listening.”

Then pay attention to how He is speaking to you as you go about your day.

Respond. Toss the ball back. Write it down. Say “Thank You.” Obey His prompting. Worship.

Keep the rhythm going.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” — John 10:27 (ESV)

He speaks. We listen. We speak. He listens. It is relationship…connection. It’s the holy game of catch.

Pick Up the Ball Again

Whether you’re feeling spiritually distant or deeply connected today, this truth remains: God is always near, always inviting, always speaking.

He throws the ball not with demands, but with love. Our job is simply to catch it and throw it back—to stay in the rhythm of conversation with Him.

“You don’t have to be perfect to hear God’s voice—you just have to be present.”

Just like with my kids, it’s the repeated rhythm that builds closeness. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be present.

Pick up the ball again. Ask Him a question. Share what’s on your heart. Listen for His response. In short, if you want to deepen your prayer life and learn how to converse with God daily, start today: ask, listen, and respond.

You Might Be Wondering

1. How do I talk to God like a conversation?

You can talk to God the same way you’d talk to a close friend—honestly and openly. First, start by sharing what’s on your heart, ask questions, and then listen for His response through Scripture, prayer, or the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Building a conversation with God is about listening as much as speaking.

2. How can I deepen my prayer life?

Deepening your prayer life involves moving beyond routine prayers to a daily, two-way relationship with God. Journaling your prayers, pausing to listen, and responding to what you sense God is saying are powerful ways to build this connection.

3. How do I hear God’s voice?

To begin hearing God’s voice, spend time reading Scripture, paying attention to recurring themes, and being still in His presence. God often speaks through His Word, circumstances, other people, and the quiet leading of the Holy Spirit. Staying consistent in prayer helps you recognize His voice more clearly over time.

Want to Deepen Your Conversation with God?

Learning how to talk to God doesn’t need to be complicated. Like a game of catch, it’s a rhythm of listening and responding. If you want to hear from God more clearly, I’d love to share encouragement, journaling prompts, and faith-building resources straight to your inbox.

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