It’s Talking and Listening to God

Prayer and Bible reading are not just spiritual to-dos; they are the lifeline of our relationship with God. Just as healthy communication keeps a marriage or friendship strong, time spent talking to God in prayer and listening to Him through His Word nurtures a deeper, growing relationship with Him. Without that daily connection, even the most sincere believer can begin to drift away from Him. To show just how vital this is, let me share a parable.

Jesse and Becky’s Story: A Parable About Neglecting Communication

Jesse doesn’t remember a time when he didn’t love Becky. They met in kindergarten, and from the moment they were introduced, he was smitten. Becky—with her freckles, long dark hair, lively eyes, and impish smile—captured his heart instantly.

But Becky was more interested in playing than in building a relationship. Jesse waited patiently through the years, and finally, during their last year of college, Becky said, “Yes.” A week after graduation, they were married. Jesse was overjoyed.

Married life was sweet.

They made a habit of waking early to cook breakfast together and sit down for real conversation. In the evenings, they walked hand in hand, talked, or worked side by side in the yard. Jesse didn’t care what they were doing—as long as they were doing it together. He loved Becky deeply, and she loved him too.

Jesse often wrote her poems and left them on her nightstand, where she could read them first thing in the morning. Becky treasured those love notes, storing them in a special box beside her bed.

But slowly, things began to change.

Becky, a passionate teacher, poured herself into her work. Her job consumed more and more of her time and energy. She stayed later at school and became increasingly preoccupied, even when she was at home. Conversations grew shorter. Shared meals disappeared. Jesse noticed the shift, but he tried to be supportive. After all, Becky was doing something meaningful.

To help, he began preparing her breakfasts and slipping in love notes. He took on extra chores around the house so their weekends could be restful and reconnecting. But little by little, work crept into the weekends too. Becky tried to be present on Sabbath afternoons, but her mind often wandered back to her classroom. By Sunday, she was grading papers or planning lessons again.

Eventually, her colleagues became her new circle. Lunches, after-school meetings, and Sunday gatherings filled her calendar. Jesse was left alone more and more.

Still, he wrote to her.

Daily poems, love letters—each one carefully left on her nightstand, hoping to draw her back.

Becky was never unkind. She thanked him for the meals, complimented his efforts, and responded gently. But she never made time for meaningful connection. Her words were polite, her demeanor warm, but her heart seemed elsewhere.

One evening, Jesse noticed the stack of unread letters still sitting where he had left them. They hadn’t been moved to her treasure box. They hadn’t even been opened.

That was the moment his heart broke.

Eventually, he stopped writing. He hired a cleaner, a cook, a landscaper. He began spending time elsewhere. Becky didn’t seem to notice. No questions. No concern.

Two years passed without so much as a text.

Jesse filed for divorce.

What This Parable Teaches About the Importance of Prayer and Bible Reading

This story isn’t true, but it could be. It’s a parable—a story with a lesson. And it mirrors what often happens in our relationship with God.

Scripture frequently uses marriage as a picture of our connection with the Lord. And just like a marriage, our walk with God depends on communication and intentional time together.

That’s why it is so important to pray and read the Bible. These two practices keep the relationship alive.

Too often, like Becky, we become absorbed in doing good things—serving, working hard, helping others—and assume our relationship with God is fine. But if we rarely sit with Him, listen to Him, or talk with Him, our connection begins to weaken.

We might still thank Him. We might still do good works in His name. But we no longer really know Him.

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Jesus Warns About Neglecting Prayer and Bible Study

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” —Matthew 7:21–23, NKJV

It’s a sobering declaration.

Jesus describes people doing amazing things—miracles, even—in His name. But in the end, He says, “I never knew you.”

They had activity, but no relationship.

This warning underscores why reading the Bible and praying daily is essential. It’s not enough to be busy doing things for God. We must know Him—and the way we come to know Him is through prayer and His Word.

What Is the Reward of Praying and Reading the Bible?

If you want a living, vibrant, and joyful relationship with God, you must spend time with Him. The rewards of reading the Bible and praying are countless, but here are two foundational ones:

• Intimacy with God. Prayer allows you to talk to Him about your day, your dreams, your heartaches, and your gratitude. It draws you closer.
• Guidance and transformation. Bible study lets you listen to Him and learn about His character. Through the power of the Holy Spirit this will shape your thinking, renew your heart, and align your spirit with His will.

These practices lead to peace, joy, strength in trials, and clarity for daily decisions. They are not duties to check off but gifts that transform your walk with God.

Practical Ways to Stay Consistent in Prayer and Bible Reading

• Start your day with God. Before grabbing your phone, grab your Bible.
• Make prayer conversational. You don’t need fancy words. Just be real.
• Write in a prayer journal. Track your thoughts and God’s faithfulness.
• Set a reminder. Life is busy. Protect the time that matters most.

These habits help you stay anchored when distractions threaten to pull you away.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss the Blessing of Prayer and Bible Study

Jesse never stopped loving Becky.

God never stops loving you.

But He longs for more than polite thanks or occasional attention.

He longs to walk with you, talk with you, laugh with you, and carry your burdens.

Don’t let busyness rob you of the relationship that matters most.

He’s left you love letters—every page of Scripture.

The importance of reading the Bible and praying cannot be overstated. The reward is intimacy with God Himself.

Will you open His letters today?

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Learning to read Scripture and pray relationally is at the heart of what I share in my book Engaging with God: Journey from Pharisee to Disciple.

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