Keep It Real... Really

Last Tuesday night I had the opportunity to teach at Adobe Mountain, a youth detention facility in Phoenix. It was my first time to minister there. It was great. A small group of boys from the ages of 14 to 17 attended the weekly Bible study. These particular young men were serving time for drug violations.

My close friend Nathan Hale has been leading this Bible study for more than a year. Nathan is a young man I've known for years. He has lots of energy and the boys relate to him. He cares for these guys and they know it. Another guy on the team, Ron, shared a little about the history and importance of reading the Bible. Nathan's wife, Debora, helped with the music.

We gathered in a small Day Room and started the meeting with Praise & Worship. Each boy was able to pick a song they liked and wanted the group to sing. It also happened to be movie night in the cottage. All the boys in this unit had to choose to either watch the movie or attend the Bible study.

Later on, after the movie ended, some of those boys, had to return to their locked rooms, but watched and listened through the windows in their doors.

One Shot
With only about thirty minutes to make an impact, what was the most important thing that God wanted me to talk about? Communicate how real God is and how they could have a tangible relationship with Him.

We discussed how doing this is no different than with anyone else on earth. When I asked them if they had a girl friend, somehow they could then easily relate. Instantly a few friendly jabs and elbows were exchanged with each other. Imagine that, teenage boys relating to girls!

Yes, somebody talks. Somebody listens and then you swap. They began to understand that we don't have to use theological terms. We don't have to be religious. Prayer is just talk. Talk develops relationship. Relationship develops love.

God Is All Knowing
"Well, doesn't God already know everything about me?" Of course He does but He still wants a one-on-one relationship. Our Heavenly Father is always waiting for us to "phone home" and share our day. He wants to hear our worries, problems, and victories. Remember, this is the very reason He created mankind. It is no different than what we want on this earth with the people we love.

Keep It Real... Really
During the discussion, one of the boys piped up with a terrific phrase. He said, "So you mean, 'Keep it real... really' ". That says it all. We sometimes get off track on what prayer is or how to pray. Yes, as we mature in our walk with the Lord, there are times we get more "technical" by quoting specific scriptures for specific reasons. But for now, with these young men, it was just keep it simple and "Keep it real... really."

After the meeting, one of the boys came up to me and told me how he liked what he heard. He said he never thought that praying was just talking to God. His "ahha" moment made it all worthwhile for me. From the other boy's questions and responses, I think they got it.

The point with all of us is to understand that we have a real Heavenly Father, who loves us, who wants to communicate that to us. Who is waiting for us to communicate with Him.

Talk to God, just talk. Listen and don't be surprised if He talks back.

Blessings,
Rev. Lawrence Blakeslee
Missionary to Europe & Asia