God as a friend

[MikeUpton]

He's been close to me through some of my most difficult moments. He's incredibly patient with me, yet knows how to push me just right to expand and do better. I'm beginning to realize, (I mean I guess I knew, but re-realize) God is the best friend I've ever had. He makes me laugh too. I'm not sure if he intends to, but I'm beginning to suspect he does quite a bit.

So, since I have time lately, and I really need to pray, I've been praying a lot more. And I wonder, I can feel he's so near sometimes, and he really loves me. I want to talk to him about all the things I'm interested in, of course I focus on important things, but sometimes I like to talk to him about Linux and chocolate cake. Well, not specifically, but you get the idea. Just for example, the things I'm into.

I was curious about the thoughts of others on this topic. My intent is of course not to be irreverent, or be too casual with God, but I love him so much. So, he tends to get an earful from me.

[the Ogre]

Dude, I agree with you. H- is my friend, but he is also my G-d, so I don't speak to him in the same tone of voice as I do my friends, but that is a personal choice (conference talks point in this direction as well).

I do not think any subjects are taboo either. I know one thing, H- loves to hear from us.

[Dravin]

Dude, I agree with you. H- is my friend, but he is also my G-d, so I don't speak to him in the same tone of voice as I do my friends, but that is a personal choice (conference talks point in this direction as well).

.

Interestingly enough in languages where there are multiple versions of 'you' and the like using the personal (intimate) one such as that reserved for family is acceptable IIRC. The (searching for word) vulgar, "Hey you!" that you'd use around friends isn't. The formal (such as when talking to royalty) versions are also acceptable and is more along the lines of the English usage of thee, thy and thine (formality not intimacy).

Wow, how's that for a tangent.

[the Ogre]

Interestingly enough in languages where there are multiple versions of 'you' and the like using the personal (intimate) one such as that reserved for family is acceptable IIRC. The (searching for word) vulgar, "Hey you!" that you'd use around friends isn't. The formal (such as when talking to royalty) versions are also acceptable and is more along the lines of the English usage of thee, thy and thine (formality not intimacy).

Wow, how's that for a tangent.

Have you read Martin Buber's Ich und Du? It is not LDS, it is Jewish. I highly recommend it.

From I and Thou - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia :

Love is a subject-to-subject relationship. Like the I-Thou relation, love is not a relation of subject to object, but rather a relation in which both members in the relationship are subjects and share the unity of being. The ultimate Thou is God. In the I-Thou relation there are no barriers, and this means that man can relate directly to God. God is ever-present in human consciousness, and manifests himself in music, literature, and other forms of culture. As previously mentioned, Thou is inevitably addressed as It. Because of this, the I-Thou relation becomes the being of the I-Thou relation. God is now spoken to directly not spoken about.

It is a fantastic read about the relationship between humanity and deity through prayer (and of course much more). It approaches prayer from a very intimate, personal, loving relationship. Martin, though, would not mind a relationship with G-d that involved friendship either.

[Moksha]

Interestingly enough in languages where there are multiple versions of 'you' and the like using the personal (intimate) one such as that reserved for family is acceptable IIRC. The (searching for word) vulgar, "Hey you!" that you'd use around friends isn't. The formal (such as when talking to royalty) versions are also acceptable and is more along the lines of the English usage of thee, thy and thine (formality not intimacy).

I am thinking that thoughts are much easier for God to receive than sounds. Sounds too easily dissipate and could never travel though the vacuum of space. I would imagine that for God, thoughts stand eternal.

Chatting about Linux and chocolate cake seems so endearing. :)

[MikeUpton]

Coming to know God, and the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for me so I might repent of my sins and be forgiven through his grace, and being able to view things in the eternal perspective, added to the attributes God has, which I find many evidences of in my own life, of his kindness and his patience with me in my foolishness, my heart swells with appreciation for him.

We are taught to praise God, to worship God, to humble ourselves before God, and I truly think if there was anyone worthy of our absolute adoration and our unconditionally complete obedience, it would be God himself. He is worthy of all those things and much more.

I guess I really wanted to express that. Often times I have misunderstood God due to my own lack of understanding, weaknesses, and the promptings of Satan to believe God is someone else other than he is. (Angry, vengeful, selfish). With the growth he has helped me to make, and even in times when my life has been very difficult, I can see that any anger towards God would probably result from my own wickedness, lack of humility, and lack of understanding and conception of the eternities.

I have learned to glory, as Paul did, in my afflictions, because I know that they condition my heart to be humble to God, and humility is something I really struggle with. Aside from the humility factor, there are many other ways we are blessed especially in the eternities through our trials.

He's truly the best friend one could ever have and I thank him often for his perfections. Him being perfect means he deals with me in his own perfect way, and it ends up being for my benefit and my good.

My biggest hope is that whatever happens I could be reunited with him in the end, to be with him for eternity.

[HEthePrimate]

He's been close to me through some of my most difficult moments. He's incredibly patient with me, yet knows how to push me just right to expand and do better. I'm beginning to realize, (I mean I guess I knew, but re-realize) God is the best friend I've ever had. He makes me laugh too. I'm not sure if he intends to, but I'm beginning to suspect he does quite a bit.

So, since I have time lately, and I really need to pray, I've been praying a lot more. And I wonder, I can feel he's so near sometimes, and he really loves me. I want to talk to him about all the things I'm interested in, of course I focus on important things, but sometimes I like to talk to him about Linux and chocolate cake. Well, not specifically, but you get the idea. Just for example, the things I'm into.

I was curious about the thoughts of others on this topic. My intent is of course not to be irreverent, or be too casual with God, but I love him so much. So, he tends to get an earful from me.

MikeUpton, I thought your post was really sweet. :) My mission was to a Roman Catholic country (France), where in prayer they typically use formal pronouns to show respect. Well-intentioned as that is, we missionaries were told to teach our investigators to pray using the informal pronouns, so they would get a sense of closeness to and intimacy with God, who is our Father.

God is big enough He can handle whatever you throw at Him, and not get upset. And as my Institute director points out, parents sometimes get tired of their kids only talking to them when they want something. They enjoy just sitting down and talking with their children about whatever, just having a conversation. I think Heavenly Father likes that, too.

It's clear to me that you both love and respect God. Keep it up!

HEP

[prisonchaplain]

God, my God, is both transcendant and intimate. He is King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Creator of Heaven and Earth--and yet, the Lover of my Soul. There are times when I pray to Him in his Majesty, and other times when I cry out, "Abba...Daddy."

IMHO, we Pentecostals have embraced a gift that allows us an added intimacy, in that we pray in the Spirit. At such times my Spirit is in perfect, unfettered communion and communication with Heavenly Father. I pray with groaning that cannot be uttered....

IM also HO, communication with God that is sincere and from the heart cannot be vulgar. The brand new convert that might slip in a few habitual cuss words in his initial prayers to God will be received with the same love as the craddle Christian who habitually prays in King James English.

[Dravin]

IM also HO, communication with God that is sincere and from the heart cannot be vulgar. The brand new convert that might slip in a few habitual cuss words in his initial prayers to God will be received with the same love as the craddle Christian who habitually prays in King James English.

I agree that sincerity is key, language flows from sincerity rather than the other way around. The new convert is in his sincerity using what he feels to be perfectly appropriate language else unless his intent was to mock he wouldn't be using what he feels is inappropriate language to begin with.

Edited May 18, 2009 by Dravin

[Misshalfway]

I think that each of us can have a very intimate relationship with God -- even one that is unique. I mean, don't you think Father glories at the individuality of all of us? I have met some of His children and some of them are really funny. I have met others who are so gifted in a hundred different ways. I can't picture a perfect father who wouldn't glory in WHO we are and well as what we become.

I think it can be so much more than just sending up the want list and the granting of blessings -- even though I am really glad we can do that too. I was praying to God this morning....one of those take this burden from me sorts.....and He, like always, was there and my load is lighter now and my heart more restored.

[Mahone]

Dude, I agree with you. H- is my friend, but he is also my G-d, so I don't speak to him in the same tone of voice as I do my friends, but that is a personal choice (conference talks point in this direction as well).

I do not think any subjects are taboo either. I know one thing, H- loves to hear from us.

Don't know if I'm missing something obvious here, but why do you type replacing certain letters with a dash?

[Dravin]

Don't know if I'm missing something obvious here, but why do you type replacing certain letters with a dash?

Unless I'm mistaken he's of the same mind of Jews I've noticed doing the same to avoid taking the name of the Lord in vain. Thus using the dashes in proper nouns and personal pronouns referring to deity. At least that's my assumption as to his motive.

[Hemidakota]

He's been close to me through some of my most difficult moments. He's incredibly patient with me, yet knows how to push me just right to expand and do better. I'm beginning to realize, (I mean I guess I knew, but re-realize) God is the best friend I've ever had. He makes me laugh too. I'm not sure if he intends to, but I'm beginning to suspect he does quite a bit.

So, since I have time lately, and I really need to pray, I've been praying a lot more. And I wonder, I can feel he's so near sometimes, and he really loves me. I want to talk to him about all the things I'm interested in, of course I focus on important things, but sometimes I like to talk to him about Linux and chocolate cake. Well, not specifically, but you get the idea. Just for example, the things I'm into.

I was curious about the thoughts of others on this topic. My intent is of course not to be irreverent, or be too casual with God, but I love him so much. So, he tends to get an earful from me.

Are you referring to the Savior or GOD HIMSELF?

[MikeUpton]

Are you referring to the Savior or GOD HIMSELF?

I suppose I pray much as every other LDS person prays, to Heavenly Father in the name of his son Jesus Christ. But I love both.

[Hemidakota]

I was asking to whom do you refer too as a friend?

[Mahone]

Unless I'm mistaken he's of the same mind of Jews I've noticed doing the same to avoid taking the name of the Lord in vain. Thus using the dashes in proper nouns and personal pronouns referring to deity. At least that's my assumption as to his motive.

Yeah, I thought about that but I don't see how you can take the Lords name in vein without meaning to or realising it and I'm sure none of us would. I thought there might be something else at play.

[MikeUpton]

I was asking to whom do you refer too as a friend?

the both of them, but I focus on Heavenly Father.

[Hemidakota]

Thanks...there is a difference on when the Godhead refers you as a servant or a friend. Meaning, your standing within the kingdom. Noticed this with Joseph in the beginning was called a servant and later a friend.

[the Ogre]

Unless I'm mistaken he's of the same mind of Jews I've noticed doing the same to avoid taking the name of the Lord in vain. Thus using the dashes in proper nouns and personal pronouns referring to deity. At least that's my assumption as to his motive.

That is exactly right. Plus, my maternal Grandparents were Jews. I don't want to hear it from Grandma after I die.

Have you ever had a Jewish Grandmother. Nice to the point of red cheeks and raised eyebrows. Being haunted by her doesn't sound like fun.

[MikeUpton]

That is exactly right. Plus, my maternal Grandparents were Jews. I don't want to hear it from Grandma after I die.

Have you ever had a Jewish Grandmother. Nice to the point of red cheeks and raised eyebrows. Being haunted by her doesn't sound like fun.

The intent I suppose would then be your way of reverencing God, much the same as me when I feebly try to speak Shakespearian English when I pray. Or King James English. Or whatever. I think I'll call it Mike's Medieval. Its a little medieval with a whole lotta Mike thrown in. Just coming down to using thee and thou, and thy pretty much. Everything else is modern. But I do my best. Its the same effect, just trying to be respectful.

Edited May 18, 2009 by MikeUpton

[Hemidakota]

Hmm....same here. I don't know how many of the formal language is used during daily devotional time but hardly any formal language is at all. It is more of being grateful for another day to repent.

Edited May 19, 2009 by Hemidakota

[Traveler]

I do not mean to be contentious but I often wonder if religious relationships with G-d are greatly exaggerated. For myself I feel that I am somewhat distant from my L-rd. I am always looking for indications that things are justified before him. During my most spiritual moments my impressions are that I am still a great distance from understanding my savior or the Father he represents. It seems that the closer I get the more I realize how far away I really am.

I do not know how someone can be sure about their relationship with G-d and struggle with the people they live with every day. Especially spouse and family. Sometimes when things are very difficult for me I get a hint that what I am experiencing is similar to divine pain. Sometimes when things are very good I also get the impression that I am experiencing divine joy. But I must admit that my experiences are insignificant and that in reality I am not whole or holy or anywhere near ready to proclaim I have arrived and should be considered the example of someone worthy to be looked up to by others.

For now I hope to extend a hand of support and friendship to those around me – including this forum and hope that the time we spend together will be uplifting and friendly. Someday I hope to see clearly and enjoy the presents of my L-rd but for now I must rely on the goodness and kindness of others and make my friends with others flawed like myself and draw closer to that which is truly divine.

The Traveler

[mikbone]

D&C 93: 45-46

This scripture makes me want to be a better servant of the Lord. Sure would be nice to have your Judge be your friend.

[prisonchaplain]

Traveler, like you, I often wonder about my own progress towards spiritual maturity, godliness, Christ-likeness. On the other hand, I do not wonder about God's loyalty and love towards me, about his desire to communicate with me, and about the mercy that even when I am at a point of weakness, sin, and perhaps even rebellion, Jesus says that he stands at the door of our hearts and knocks. If we'll but open the door, he will come in and commune with us.

I have spiritual impressions. I feel the leading of the Holy Spirit. There are times when the anointing is strong. But, I'm not cavalier, nor am I complacent about my own need to step up to this glorious relationship God has honored me with. I'm humbled, and literally, eternally grateful.

[Traveler]

Traveler, like you, I often wonder about my own progress towards spiritual maturity, godliness, Christ-likeness. On the other hand, I do not wonder about God's loyalty and love towards me, about his desire to communicate with me, and about the mercy that even when I am at a point of weakness, sin, and perhaps even rebellion, Jesus says that he stands at the door of our hearts and knocks. If we'll but open the door, he will come in and commune with us.

I have spiritual impressions. I feel the leading of the Holy Spirit. There are times when the anointing is strong. But, I'm not cavalier, nor am I complacent about my own need to step up to this glorious relationship God has honored me with. I'm humbled, and literally, eternally grateful.

Unlike you - I often wonder about G-d in my weakness. My lot in these matters is very faith biased and little if any knowledge base. I use logic and deductive reasoning but my initial premise is faith based. I can say that I have dedicated my life because I have found nothing better – or even close. I also believe there are still things I am missing. I salute you in your sureness.

The Traveler