Getting close to God is easy with a KISS approach – Keep It Simple Sinner. A personal relationship with the Lord is just that – a one-on-one connection. It does not have to include church or reciting prayers. But it does involve praying.

Saying prayers before going to bed is something that we learn when we are young. Many of us remember or still say – “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, Watch and guard me through the night, and wake me with the morning light. Amen.”

But praying can be more like an intimate conversation. The Lord’s Prayer is a good framework when personalized. Give thanks for what we have received, repent for our sins, and express our aspirations. All with specific examples from our day.

Praying through the day can be even less formal, like sending a text – “thank you”, “love you,” or “please help.” But do not forget to listen! Listening to the Holy Spirit is one of the most important parts of a personal relationship with God. How can he answer our prayers if we do not listen?

The Holy Spirit is always with us and constantly guiding us – 24/7/365. No issue is too small or problem too large. Have a question – ask. God knows our every thought. If we are struggling in life, it may be the “listening” part that is missing from our prayer.

We cannot “spin things” when dealing with the Lord. He sees the truths that we do not like to admit, even to ourselves. He knows when we have failed, and why. But he does not hold it against us.

God is forgiving. And, sometimes, he can be very funny! He can “zing us” like no one else because he knows us best. Humor is one of his gifts too. It makes life more joyous.

Nothing is more rewarding than a personal relationship with God. It makes life more meaningful and death less scary. Getting close to God is easy with a KISS approach – Keep It Simple Sinner.

Randall Rousselo

Roscommon, MI