Many years past, one of my sons came to me, upset over a problem with his siblings.

After some discussion, I suggested that he ask God about it.

He responded, "OK, but will God answer me?"

That question has remained with me through the years. How does God answer us?

Throughout both Old and New Testaments, the patriarchs and prophets engaged in continuous conversations with God.

Elijah cries out to hear God's voice. The voice doesn't come through wind, earthquake or fire, but as a gentle whisper.

Jesus, at Gethsemane, calls out to God in agony, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. But God responded with silence. His crucifixion was to be.

Throughout the ages, people yearn to hear God's voice. And he does answer us, but we must be attuned to listen.

I have come to realize that there are many ways God speaks to us.

Billy Graham, in his book, "Angels," describes the many ways angels enter our lives as God's special messengers. They can appear in human form or as a slight nudge, an intuition or simply an overwhelming assurance that he is there.

Sometimes it is through divine intervention. That miss by a speeding vehicle, the avoidance of a violent situation, recovery from a life-threatening illness, an overlooked opportunity to make right with friends and family all speak of God's continuing love and compassion for us. Such events shake us up and bring into sharp focus the amazing ways by which God makes us aware of his presence.

The intervention of angels is mentioned over 300 times throughout the Bible. Psalm 9:11,12 assures us, "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone."

God speaks to us when we open our minds and hearts to him. This may happen in many ways. When we attend church, we draw close to God through listening to the sermon, the music and participating in the prayers. Collective worship draws us into the groups of other believers and assures us that we are not alone in our efforts to be open to God 's voice. Attending church is also a way of expressing our thanks to God for all the wonderful things he does for us. Too often we focus on our requests to God; too seldom for thanking him.

God speaks to us through the Bible, which provides us with countless examples of God's purpose for our lives. It is a testimonial to the magnificent changes God brings by transforming the hearts of men and women. David and Paul are examples of great sinners who through prayers of contrition and requests for forgiveness joined the ranks of God's most valuable servants.

The Bible teaches us the principles by which to live honorably. It offers sound advice on the challenges which confront us in our daily lives. It is through the Bible that we find solace, guidance and peace. The Bible assures us that when we accept God as our Savior and the Sovereign of our lives, that we will be assured of a place in heaven when we die.

God speaks to us when we pray. Prayer is the highest and most intimate way of reaching God. It is when we are alone and quiet that we will feel closest to him.

A morning devotional filled with praise and thanks and our request to live the day as a blessing to others, sets the tone for whatever that day holds.

God tells us that when we search for him with all our heart, we will find him. David prays to God throughout the Psalms. Psalm 118: "In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free. The Lord is with me, I will not be afraid."

It is through daily prayer that we establish a rewarding, personal and lifelong relationship with Him. God is always there. It is our responsibility to make the connection.

As Jesus' brother, James, says, "Draw close to God and God will draw close to you."

Mary Aley Wilkinson holds a certificate in Lay Ministry from the Bible Institute of Hawaii and is a member of Hawaii Kai Church.