When we talk about our relationship with God, it’s easy to picture a traditional path—quiet time spent in prayer, raising hands during worship music, and joining hands in a community of believers. But for some of us, connecting with God looks different. And that’s okay. It’s not the method of connection that matters most; it’s the connection itself.
I’ve come to realize that my own connection with God doesn’t always fit the traditional mold, and that’s something I’m learning to embrace.
Prayer has always been a point of struggle for me. I’ve often heard that prayer should be a time of stillness and focus, but I find myself connecting with God in short bursts throughout my day. I’m constantly sharing thoughts, concerns, and gratitude with Him in what feels more like an ongoing conversation than formal prayer time. This “short comments” approach may not look like stopping to bow my head or kneel, but it feels just as real, raw, and authentic.
And isn’t that what prayer is supposed to be? Honest communication with the One who knows us best? For some, praying may mean setting aside focused time to pour out their hearts. For me, it’s a continual dialogue, finding God in the mundane moments, sharing quick thoughts, and knowing He’s always listening. I’ve come to realize that this ongoing conversation with God is just as valid as structured prayer. It’s the connection, not the form, that counts.
I also find myself disconnected from certain aspects of traditional worship, particularly church music. While many feel lifted by the songs and find a deep spiritual experience through worship music, it’s not the same for me. I sometimes get bored or even annoyed and would much rather spend that time listening to a sermon. Sermons give me the chance to dive deep into God’s Word, to question, to think, and to learn. It’s where I feel most connected and engaged. Now my wife on the other hand would probably stand through the whole service if it was just music. And that’s okoay too.
The church environment itself often feels draining. The rituals and activities seem repetitive, almost like a social club that doesn’t always teach or challenge me in the ways I need. I’ve found more meaning and purpose in leading the young adult ministry and jail ministry. These are the spaces where I see God moving powerfully and where I feel called to serve. And I believe this is where our spiritual gifts can be revealing and why each individual’s experience can look different.
The young adult ministry I work with may be small—just my kids and a couple of their friends—but it has become a source of joy for me. I love sharing what I’m learning with these young minds and encouraging them to follow a path I waited far too long to walk. Their questions push me to dig deeper into scripture, and I find great fulfillment in helping them seek God in a way that feels authentic to them.
Similarly, my involvement in jail ministry has opened my eyes to the vastness of God’s grace. Speaking to those who feel forgotten or lost reminds me of the boundless mercy and love God extends to each of us. This ministry allows me to use my spiritual gifts, like teaching and encouragement, to connect with people where they are and share the hope found in Christ.
People often come to me with specific questions about scripture, knowing I love to find answers. My passion lies in cutting through fluff, getting to the heart of what God’s Word is saying. I connect with God when I’m researching, using various online resources and listening to different teachers who help deepen my understanding of scripture. This is where I see God’s hand guiding me, giving me clarity, and leading me to share His truth in practical, common-sense ways.
Worship can look different for everyone. Some connect deeply through music, others through acts of service, and some find worship in quiet reflection. What matters is who we worship, not how we do it. Jesus said, “True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth” (John 4:23). It’s about our heart’s posture, not the style. Paul reminds us, “Whatever you do, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). Our worship becomes meaningful when it’s rooted in Christ.
My journey doesn’t fit a traditional mold, and that’s okay. I connect with God through prayerful pauses, deep study, and one-on-one ministry work. It’s this authenticity in our relationship with Him that truly matters. This is the message I hope to pass on to the young adults I mentor and those I reach in jail ministry. If they can grasp that truth now, they’ll walk a path that brings them closer to God in their own unique way.
“Come to me” – Matthew 11:28:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
“Follow me” – Matthew 16:24:
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’”
“Love God and love people” – Matthew 22:37-39:
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
“Worship in spirit and truth” – John 4:23-24:
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”