Good Question
The art of conversation begins with a good question. However, knowing what kind of question to ask in the moment often alludes us. Here are some questions to get your imagination going besides just asking the typical “What do you do for a living?”
Questions to begin…
What do you do for fun or what do spend your weekends doing?
What books or shows have you been into lately?
Who are your friends? Who do you spend the most time with in this season?
How did you get connected to…(this person, this place or this event)
What are your favorite places to eat in town and why?
Questions to go deeper…
What has the Lord been speaking to you through the bible lately?
What has been on your mind recently?
What have you been praying this week?
What have you taken to heart from the sermon this past Sunday?
What’s your go-to worship song in this season? Why does it speak to you?
Questions to ask later…
Follow up questions have always meant so much to me. Not everyone has the strength or capacity season to season but it’s a practice worth exercising over a lifetime. There was a season when I used to take notes, or journal about certain conversations to help me pray for my friends. This helped me better remember what was shared in the conversation and made it easier to ask follow up questions in person. It’s worth a try to put your thoughts on paper and not carry it around in our mental head space that’s already full.
There is also the elephant in the room. The “holy-ghost-elephant”, if you will. Romans 8:26 says, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us.” John 16:13 says the Holy Spirit “will guide you into all the truth.” The Lord is with us. If you feel weak relationally, like I do, if you feel insecure, “Cast all your anxiety (your worry, your cares, etc.) on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 ). I grew up so shy and fearful of people. When I became a believer I knew my heart was changed but I had to socially learn how to cast all my cares upon the Lord because I was so insecure at times. It was a very hard thing to learn and I still struggle with silly insecurities, but the lord is with me and, he loves me. If you don’t know what to say or what question to ask a friend, no sweat; Call upon the Lord. And if you’re feeling a little extra, shout out “Jesus take the wheel!” In your heart invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you in regards to the conversation at hand. If you are a believer you will know his voice. The Lord will only speak biblical truth to you so you won’t be confused. 1 Corinthians 14:33, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” The next thing to do is step out in faith and share what the Lord has put on your heart on behalf of your brothers and sisters in Christ.
God bless you as you step out in faith and friendship.
- Sarah