Listen to their story

Listen actively and empathetically, giving plenty of time for people to share. Talk about yourself too (not too much) so it is a mutual conversation.

‘Normal’ conversations can lead into spiritual conversations if you are listening.

  • How has your week been?

  • What have you been doing this week? (studying, looking after family, working)

  • How have you been feeling since….? (e.g. the weather’s got colder, the days are more grey, Covid, you’ve had a baby, your child has started school, your mum passed away)

Expect that God is being part of someone’s life so listen out for it as

  • God’s invisible qualities of his eternal power and divine nature are seen in creation

  • God draws people to himself

  • The Holy Spirit is at work in the world

 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. John 6:44

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:20

But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. John 16:7-11

Share part of your story that relates to their situation and then ask a question (see Sharing your story section )

                              or

 Gently and respectfully ask a spiritual question, e.g.

Would you like me to pray with you about ………..? (something they had shared)

Is there anything in your life you would like some help from God with?

Have you ever prayed to ask God for help? I find that really helpful.

Do you know that God cares about your life and what you are going through?

Do you know Jesus can help you get free from the pain?

Have you heard Jesus’ story of how he came to rescue people from the evil that makes our lives so bad?

How has God helped you out recently, more than keeping the world spinning and the sun shining?

I’m curious, what do you think God thinks about you?

Do you want to feel closer to God? Have you felt close to him before?

Have you ever thought much about God? What do you think he is like?

What do you do for your spiritual health?

Have you or a friend ever had a prayer answered?

Have you ever had a spiritual experience?