Why do Christians keep saying they have a "personal relationship" with God?

im not one of these people, but i think they say it cuz theyve had him in there dreams or they saw his face in a peice of wood or a cheese puff.

I prefer to use the term, understanding with god. If you don't believe then you don't understand, Which is ok by me that's your right. But I will tell you my opinion God is so very powerfull that we as human beings canot begin to understand Gods.....,well power. God is a entity that has been forever. That being said some people might use the term"personal relationship" which Im sure God is more than capable of doing. Does it make me feel special? Not really, Im no better than anyone else. As for your example "personal relationship with a street prostitute but I pay full price". I myself at one time was a nonbeliever,Jesus payed full price for my sins. I wont go into details into what changed my life. Except to say that things were, and still are happening that aren't just dumb luck. Now Id like to make a observation about your question. Evidently this bothers you or you wouldn't be asking the question. Maby your mocking a little to make your self feel better,probably because you have doubts about what you believe. Your question doesn't bother me because I have no doubt in what I believe. I hope and pray that God will change your life the way mine has been changed. As a former nonbeliever I do have a understanding with God. A.K.A ,,,RELATIONSHIP!!!!

When my dad was alive, I had a personal relationship with him. Him and I spent time together, and we enjoyed each other's company. Of course, my brothers and sisters also had personal relationships with him. Perhaps a bit different, but personal all the same. None of these interfered with mine at all.

As a baptized Christian, I recognize God as my Father in Heaven. I am part of His family. Incidentally, that makes all other baptized people my brothers and sisters - by adoption, which we do at our baptism. I can have a personal relationship with Him, and I expect many of my Christian brothers and sisters can as well.

However, this is not the thinking for everyone. Many do not understand or view God as something that they can have a personal relationship with. Many just cannot make that connection. A pity, because those who can have a wonderful friend and mentor, someone who will help them when times are tough, rejoice with them in good times, and always be there for them. A close personal relationship with God is what we strive for (or should be). And, in God's eyes, all His children are special!

Jehovah Psalms 83:18

Many sects of Christianity encourage their followers to find a personal attitude toward their faith while still falling within the lines of the specific Church's teachings. This is most often manifested in a "personal relationship with god" rather than the bible, their priest, or specific practices.

It also means, for many Christians, that they feel their prayers are directly answered by god.

because to us religion is all the traditions, stained windows, burning incense, flowing robes, all the "props".we don't need that to connect to God.We pray and He listens. But we have to be attuned to hear his answers, also/We pray and talk to God throughout the day. It is a relationship we have with God, not just the ancient rituals. as far as not personal, you're really grasping here. suppose you had a few brothers/sisters. mother and father. wouldn't you be able to have a relationship with each of them? and to answer your other question, we don't need to do anything to feel special. you don't understand it so you mock it. that's your problem, certainly not ours.

Well you could say you're having a personal relationship with a hooker, but be real, it's a business deal. I have a personal relationship with many people. and with God. God is certainly big enough to share. You can keep the hooker to yourself tho.

Does it make them feel special? lol, yes, yes it does make them feel that way.

In response to your paragraph, its more like having an intimate relationship with their superego, but your probably too young to understand what that means. lmao street prostitute...amazing comparison.

Christians talk to God in the same way you and I talk to our closest friends. They call this prayer. They believe that God's interaction with humans consists of the Holy Spirit making stirrings in their hearts,sort of like a conscience.

Truly, and I say this with all sincerity: I am deeply suspicous of someone that claims they have an inside track with the purported creator of the entire freaking universe. I mean, really, get over yourself.

:)

It's about being closer to God, which is special.

It's a shame your only comparsion of a relationship involves street prostitutes.