Communication Is Like A "Coin Toss"

Good conversation operates like a "coin toss" at the beginning of a footballgame.  The coin is tossed to decide who STARTS and the other side WAITS for its turn. 

A good conversation has a "rhythm" to it--like the waves in the ocean that FLOW back-and-forth.  Tidal waves and under currents develop when the talker starts to ramble on, embellish, justify, make excuses, babble on, or run-off-at-the-mouth.  And, even more dangerous are out-of-control feelings, which can drown the recipient and cause irreparable damage.

Try to keep your opening comments brief--like saying, "Please listen to me--I have something I need to tell you."  Then allow the hearer to respond with a statement such as:  "I'm listening....what do you want to say?"  Then it's your turn again to say what you have to share.  Allow pauses in the conversation for the other person to talk and/or express themselves.  It's not meant to be a "one-way" conversation!  Both the hearer and the one talking are to participate.  This rhythmic way of relating (if spoken and received in love) will draw the two parties closer together.

It's the same with prayer:  You talk--God listens!  God talks--you listen!

Is prayer a "one-way" conversation...are you doing all the talking?  Have you quit speaking to God?  What's He been saying to you lately--are you listening?  How's your relationship doing--are you drawing closer to HIm--or are you pulling away?

  "If your day is hemmed in with prayer, you're less likely to unravel!"