Episode 283:
How to Connect with God and Actually Get Answers
08 July 2025
3 Steps from James 4:7 That Will Transform Your Prayer Life
Have you ever walked away from your prayer time feeling more frustrated than fulfilled?
You came to God with real questions — “What’s next in my business?” “How do I help my family?” “Why am I feeling stuck?” — but instead of peace or clarity, you left even more confused?
You’re not doing anything wrong. You're just missing a key that can change everything.
In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in fast-paced prayers or distracted by life’s noise. But God’s Word actually gives us a clear, simple blueprint for how to pray in a way that leads to real connection — and real answers.
One of my favorite verses on this is James 4:7, and it’s what I unpack step-by-step in my latest podcast episode. (Scroll down to watch!)
“So submit to the authority of God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you.” — James 4:7 (AMP)
Let’s break this verse down together — because it holds a powerful key to hearing God’s voice and experiencing His peace and wisdom every single day.
Here’s what it looks like:
| 1. Turn Your Attention to God
When we come to God in prayer, it's so easy to be overwhelmed by our own thoughts, needs, and distractions. But the first step to powerful prayer is this:
Shift your focus.
We’re not just praying into the air — we’re speaking to the Living God who loves us deeply. James 4:7 begins with “submit to God,” and that starts by turning our heart and attention toward Him.
This can be as simple as:
Opening your hands
Closing your eyes
Saying, “God, thank You that You're my Dad and that I get to come and talk with You”
These small physical actions just help you to focus on the One Who adores you and loves to connect with you too.
✅ Try This:
Pause before your next prayer and simply say, “Lord, thank You that we get to do life together.”
| 2. Enter With Gratitude
Gratitude is not just a good idea — it’s a spiritual gateway.
When you begin your prayer with, “Thank You, Lord…” — something shifts. You come to Him with deep gratitude for what you DO have, instead of frustration because of what you think you DON'T have. Game-changer..
Say things like:
“Thank You that I get to talk with You.”
“Thank You for Your love and nearness.”
“Thank You that You care about our business, my family, and my purpose.”
Gratitude reminds your soul that God is for you, and He’s already working things out for good.
✅ Try This:
Start every prayer by remembering 3 things you’re grateful for. Speak them out loud — it changes the atmosphere!
| 3. Acknowledge Your Need
Here's where the spiritual authority kicks in.
After you’ve submitted to God in trust and gratitude, you now stand in your true identity — a child of God, filled with His Spirit. And from that place, you can confidently resist the lies, fear, distractions, and oppression of the enemy.
You’re not alone. You’re not powerless. And you’re not stuck.
When you submit to God, resisting the devil is a natural result — and he will flee.
Say out loud:
“I resist every lie, distraction, and fear.”
“I declare that the Holy Spirit is the only One welcome here”
“Thank You Lord that in You, I am strong”
✅ Try This:
Next time fear or confusion rises up, pause. Reconnect with God, and then resist. Watch peace flood back in.
This is an invitation. And it changes everything.
🌀 This Changes How You Pray
This isn’t a formula. It’s an invitation into relationship.
When you come to God this way — with open hands, a grateful heart, and humble surrender — you create space for Heaven’s wisdom to meet your real-life needs.
You don’t have to walk away from prayer empty-handed any more!
God loves to give wisdom, direction, and peace to His children.
And the beautiful truth?
You already belong. You already have access. You just need to come close.
🎥 Want to see this in action?
I walk you through this entire process — step by step — in my newest podcast episode:
👉 Watch: How to Connect with God and Actually Get Answers
You’ll learn:
What “submit to God” really looks like in everyday life
How to resist the enemy from a place of peace, not striving
How to hear God’s voice clearly, even in busy or hard seasons
🎧 This episode is short, practical, and deeply encouraging. It’s perfect if you want to learn how to pray and hear from God.
Here's to amazing prayer times connecting with the Lord!
Blessings to you
Lisa
Hey There I'm
Lisa van den Berg
I'm a Christian entrepreneur and identity coach who helps believers hear God, discover their purpose,
and build businesses that make an
eternal impact.
Let's Connect
Episode 283:
How to Connect with God and Actually Get Answers
08 July 2025
Hey there, I'm
Lisa van den Berg
I'm a Christian entrepreneur and identity coach who helps believers hear God, discover their purpose,
and build businesses that make an
eternal impact.
Let's Connect
3 Steps from James 4:7 That Will Transform Your Prayer Life
Have you ever walked away from your prayer time feeling more frustrated than fulfilled?
You came to God with real questions — “What’s next in my business?” “How do I help my family?” “Why am I feeling stuck?” — but instead of peace or clarity, you left even more confused?
You’re not doing anything wrong. You're just missing a key that can change everything.
In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in fast-paced prayers or distracted by life’s noise. But God’s Word actually gives us a clear, simple blueprint for how to pray in a way that leads to real connection — and real answers.
One of my favorite verses on this is James 4:7, and it’s what I unpack step-by-step in my latest podcast episode. (Scroll down to watch!)
“So submit to the authority of God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you.” — James 4:7 (AMP)
Let’s break this verse down together — because it holds a powerful key to hearing God’s voice and experiencing His peace and wisdom every single day.
Here’s what it looks like:
| 1. Turn Your Attention to God
When we come to God in prayer, it's so easy to be overwhelmed by our own thoughts, needs, and distractions. But the first step to powerful prayer is this:
Shift your focus.
We’re not just praying into the air — we’re speaking to the Living God who loves us deeply. James 4:7 begins with “submit to God,” and that starts by turning our heart and attention toward Him.
This can be as simple as:
Opening your hands
Closing your eyes
Saying, “God, thank You that You're my Dad and that I get to come and talk with You”
These small physical actions just help you to focus on the One Who adores you and loves to connect with you too.
✅ Try This:
Pause before your next prayer and simply say, “Lord, thank You that we get to do life together.”
| 2. Enter with Gratitude
Gratitude is not just a good idea — it’s a spiritual gateway.
When you begin your prayer with, “Thank You, Lord…” — something shifts. You come to Him with deep gratitude for what you DO have, instead of frustration because of what you think you DON'T have. Game-changer..
Say things like:
“Thank You that I get to talk with You.”
“Thank You for Your love and nearness.”
“Thank You that You care about our business, my family, and my purpose.”
Gratitude reminds your soul that God is for you, and He’s already working things out for good.
✅ Try This:
Start every prayer by remembering 3 things you’re grateful for. Speak them out loud — it changes the atmosphere!
| 3. Acknowledge Your Need
Here's where the spiritual authority kicks in.
After you’ve submitted to God in trust and gratitude, you now stand in your true identity — a child of God, filled with His Spirit. And from that place, you can confidently resist the lies, fear, distractions, and oppression of the enemy.
You’re not alone. You’re not powerless. And you’re not stuck.
When you submit to God, resisting the devil is a natural result — and he will flee.
Say out loud:
“I resist every lie, distraction, and fear.”
“I declare that the Holy Spirit is the only One welcome here”
“Thank You Lord that in You, I am strong”
✅ Try This:
Next time fear or confusion rises up, pause. Reconnect with God, and then resist. Watch peace flood back in.
This is an invitation. And it changes everything.
🌀 This Changes How You Pray
This isn’t a formula. It’s an invitation into relationship.
When you come to God this way — with open hands, a grateful heart, and humble surrender — you create space for Heaven’s wisdom to meet your real-life needs.
You don’t have to walk away from prayer empty-handed any more!
God loves to give wisdom, direction, and peace to His children.
And the beautiful truth?
You already belong. You already have access. You just need to come close.
🎥 Want to see this in action?
I walk you through this entire process — step by step — in my newest podcast episode (watch the video below)
You’ll learn:
What “submit to God” really looks like in everyday life
How to resist the enemy from a place of peace, not striving
How to hear God’s voice clearly, even in busy or hard seasons
🎧 This episode is short, practical, and deeply encouraging. It’s perfect if you want to learn how to pray and hear from God.
Here's to amazing prayer times connecting with the Lord!
Blessings to you
Lisa
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