How to Talk to God Like a Friend: 4 Simple Steps With The Jesus Challenge

You’ve heard it in every sermon, devotional, and Bible study: “Pray more!” 

Yes, we know. 😅 But HOW?? 

What about when it feels awkward? Forced and formal? You try to pray, but suddenly your words feel stiff and unnatural – like you’re giving a speech to an intimidating CEO instead of chatting easily with a friend. 😵‍💫

Your brain goes blank. 

Your heart pounds in your ears. 

You run through a quick mental rehearsal to make sure you sound spiritual and don’t get stuck.

“Why is this so hard?”

“Everyone else seems to have it down!” 

Think about how you talk to your closest friend – no script, no pressure, just honesty. You send random voice messages and texts throughout the day, sometimes for no reason at all. You share your highs and lows, vent when you’re frustrated, laugh over stupid things, and feel safe being yourself. 

What if prayer could feel like that? 🥺

I have good news: It can! Yes, even if you’ve never felt comfortable talking to God, there IS a way to talk to God freely and naturally, not requiring any performance from you. 

Friend, God longs for that kind of relationship with you. He doesn’t want that polished speech you feel so awkward giving. He just wants YOU – unfiltered, messy, and real. 

“Ok, but how do I actually get there?” 

Read on! 👇

The Jesus Challenge: Learn To Talk to God Like a Friend

I’m excited to tell you about a wonderfully practical, simple routine that teaches you to talk to God naturally, easily, and personally. I designed this 40-day Scripture challenge to help you break out of stiff, formal prayer habits and have real conversations with God – anytime, anywhere, just like you would with your most trusted friend. 

How Does The Jesus Challenge Work? 

Every day, you’ll: 

✅Walk or run one mile – giving you uninterrupted time to talk to God without distractions. No phone or to-dos – just you and Him. 

✅Read a pre-selected passage of Scripture – so you don’t have to wonder, “Where do I start?” These passages help you know what to talk to God about. 

✅Join a private Facebook community – You’re not alone in this! This amazing community gives you support, motivation, and a place to share how you’re doing in the challenge. 

✅Practical, simple, real-life application – You can participate in optional daily challenges to apply what you’re reading and praying for. 

Why Does This Virtual Jesus Challenge Help Prayer? 

Have you ever noticed that it’s easier to talk with someone when you’re walking rather than sitting down? Gentle physical movement allows our minds to open up, and words flow easily. 

It’s the same with prayer! When you sit in your cozy chair at home for “official” prayer time, you suddenly feel stiff and glommed up, and you can’t wait for it to be over! 😩 But when you’re moving outside, surrounded by beautiful nature and fresh air, free from distractions, your thoughts and words flow naturally and easily. 

Now, think about making THAT a habit! 😍

My virtual Jesus Challenge gives you a great structure to practice prayer, but let’s break it down into four simple, practical steps. These are things you can start doing today to make your conversations with God feel natural and personal. 

Jesus Challenge Step 1: Drop the Perfect Prayer Mindset 

If you believe there’s a “right way” to talk to God, you’re not alone! Many people think that – I used to, too! That you have to use fancy words, a certain structure, and spiritual “Christianese” phrases. 💅

I am happy to report: that isn’t true! God is NOT grading your prayers. He’s not sitting with a red pen, critiquing your style. He’s not disappointed, and He’s not ashamed of you or how you pray. Bring on the rambly, stumbling prayers – that’s what He wants! 

You know how you call your bestie to vent about a tough day? 📱 You don’t sit down beforehand and carefully decide how to word your call. You don’t worry about sounding “put together.” You have the safety to just talk and be yourself – honest, open, and free. And your friend welcomes it! 

That’s exactly how God wants you to come to Him. 🤗

David’s prayers in the Psalms are some of the most raw, honest, and unfiltered emotions expressed in Scripture. Here are some examples where he openly talks to God about what he’s going through: 

• “My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long?” (Psalm 6:3) 

• “I am worn out from groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.” (Psalm 6:6) 

• “Look to my right and see; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.” (Psalm 142:4) 

David wasn’t worried about sounding polished. He was honest, inviting God into the reality of his situation. And God met him there with the grace and hope he needed. 

Practical Tip: 

Next time you head out on your Jesus Challenge walk, set a 60-second timer. ⌛In that minute, try talking to God like you’re catching up with a friend. There is no right or wrong thing to say – just share whatever is on your heart, no matter how big or small. The next day, set a timer to 90 seconds. Keep increasing your timer every day until talking to God feels more natural. 

Why Does This Matter? 

Learning to talk to God relieves heavy pressure and expectations around prayer. You’re freed from the shame of avoiding prayer because you think you’re not praying right. You don’t have to be a “perfect Christian” anymore – you’re wanted and loved as you are! 🫶

Jesus Challenge Step 2: Be Honest, Even When It’s Ugly 

Be honest, how often do you filter your prayers? Maybe trying to sound more “faithful” than you are. Or maybe you’re frustrated, but instead of saying, “God, I’m angry!” you water it down to “Help me have patience.” Or maybe you’re struggling with depression, but instead of admitting it, you just pray generic, safe prayers. Because what if God didn’t accept you like this? 🫣

Here’s the truth, friend: God already knows what’s in your heart, and He wants THAT. Not the filtered, safe version – the raw stuff. 

If you think you have to tidy up your emotions before talking to God, take a look at some prayers in Scripture: 

• Job’s Prayer of Suffering 

Job didn’t hold back when he was in pain. After losing everything, he said, “I loathe my life; I will not live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are but a breath.” (Job 7:16) 

Talk about raw! That was brutally – and refreshingly – honest. Job was devastated, questioning why God allowed his suffering. And God didn’t strike him down for that – He engaged with him in a deep, honest conversation. 

• Jesus’ Prayer in Gethsemane 

Even Jesus, fully God and fully man, brought His raw emotions to the Father. Before His crucifixion, He prayed, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” (Matthew 26:28) 

Jesus even asked if there was another way: “Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.” (Matthew 26:29) 

Jesus, in His most vulnerable moment, showed us that we can bring everything to the Father – even fear, sorrow, and desperation. 

Practical Tip: 

When you go out on your next virtual Jesus challenge walk, try this: instead of censoring yourself, say out loud EXACTLY what’s on your heart – even if it’s messy and ugly. 

👐 If you’re exhausted, tell Him. 

👐 If you’re mad at Him, tell Him. 

👐 If you’re doubting, tell Him. 

Why Does This Matter? 

Talking to God like a friend means being real. And the more honest you are, the more safety and intimacy you’ll experience in His presence. That is true, holy friendship. 

Jesus Challenge Step 3: Listen More 

Friendship is a two-way street. If you have a friend who only talks about themselves, never pauses to listen, and never asks how you’re doing – they’re probably not a very close friend. 😒

But sometimes we do the same thing with God. We pour out our needs, our worries, our requests like He’s a vending machine. And then we rush off without pausing to hear what He has to say! 

If you’ve ever wished God would just SPEAK to you and tell you exactly what to do – He already has! 🥳 The Bible is living and active, and God speaks to you every time you read it. But if you’re only reading it to check it off the list, you miss the personal communication from God. 

That’s why my Jesus virtual challenge includes a pre-assigned Scripture passage for each walk – so you have a clear place to start. And before you just jump into it, stop for a moment to ask God, 

👉 “What do you want me to hear today?” 

👉 ”Please show me your heart through this passage.” 

👉 ”How does this apply to my life right now?” 

Practical Tip: 

Instead of rushing through your Jesus Challenge reading, pause after each verse. Notice what stands out to you. Read it again. Ask yourself why that particular word or phrase feels important. 

Why Does This Matter? 

When you take time to listen, you’ll recognize God’s voice more clearly and more often. You’ll grow in your ability to hear Him correctly, and you’ll live each day with full confidence that you’re walking in His will. 💪

Jesus Challenge Step 4: Turn Everyday Moments Into Prayer

For some reason, we tend to think of prayer as a formal, scheduled event after devotions and before bed. We have to be in a quiet place, sit down, fold our hands, and formally pray. 🧎

And while this kind of prayer can be a very beneficial pause in your busy day, it’s not always practical. If we only ever prayed this way, there would be weeks we’d never pray! 😅

You don’t wait for a perfectly planned conversation to text your friend. You send check-ins, little thoughts, and advice – all on the fly in your full schedule. 

Prayer can be the same way! 

👉 While you’re washing dishes. 

👉Trying to merge into traffic. 

👉Waiting in the school pick-up line. 

👉Opening your laptop. 

Jesus Himself modeled prayer as an ongoing conversation, constantly in conversation with the Father. The Bible is full of people who talked to God in everyday moments: 

• Nehemiah shot up a quick prayer while talking to the king. (Nehemiah 2:4-5) 

• David constantly prayed while tending sheep, running from enemies, or celebrating victories. (Psalm 5:3, Psalm 63:6) 

• Paul urged believers to pray without ceasing – not only in church or after devotions but throughout their daily lives. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) 

Practical Tip: 

During your next virtual Jesus challenge walk, try short breath prayers – quick, simple prayers you can say in one breath. 

Here are some examples: 

🙏 ”God, help me trust you with this.” 

🙏 ”Thank you for this beautiful moment.”
🙏 ”I need your strength right now.” 

🙏 ”Jesus, give me peace.” 

Why Does This Matter? 

Communicating with God throughout your day gives you a sense of peace, knowing the King of Heaven sees you, hears you, and delights in the details of your life. 

Join the Jesus Challenge To Learn To Talk to God Like a Friend

Friend, I’m so eager for you to experience God as a personal, loving Father! It doesn’t have to be complicated. That intimate, safe relationship is available to you. 🫵 It’s a genuine friendship strong enough to hold honesty, laughter, tears, and real-life mess! 

If you’re tired of feeling stuck and distant from God, I want to personally invite you to join my Jesus virtual challenge today. It’s a simple, practical method teaching you how to communicate with God like a friend. 

Thousands of people have already completed this 40-day Scripture challenge and discovered a deep, fulfilling prayer life with God. You can have the same! 😄 

This is your chance to know God deeply and personally. You don’t have to stay distant and awkward around Him. He can’t wait to hear from you and show you His love in the honest, real, messy moments of your life. 

I hope to meet you soon! 🤗

Join us today: Commit Now