Listening to God

QUESTION: What are some practical tips for listening to God?

ANSWER:

Listening to God is an important part of the Christian life. God desires to speak to us and we have the privilege of listening to His instruction and guidance. William Barclay once said, "Prayer is not a way of making use of God; prayer is a way of offering ourselves to God in order that He should be able to make use of us. It may be that one of our great faults in prayer is that we talk too much and listen too little. When prayer is at its highest, we wait in silence for God's voice to us."¹

So, how can we discipline ourselves to hear the voice of God? Consider these practical tips:

• Plan ahead. Restructure your schedule so you can spend uninterrupted time with your Heavenly Father. Find a quiet place and bring along your Bible, notebook, and pen. Perhaps you enjoy worshipping with music and would like to bring along your favorite worship music.
  
  
• Prepare yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically. It is essential that we come to God with a pure heart, righteous motives, and a desire to hear from Him. Spend time confessing sin and receiving God's forgiveness.
  
  
• Spend time in prayer, worship, Bible reading, and meditation on God's Word. As you read God's Word, ask Him to speak to you. God often speaks to His children through His written Word.
  
  
• Wait expectantly. This is not a time to zone out or think of the activities for later in the day. If something apart from God's voice comes to your mind, jot it down. This will free your mind to be able to concentrate on God and listen for His instruction. Spend time in silence, waiting for God to speak in your spirit. Feel free to ask Him questions and then await His answer. Some people like to write down what they hear from God or any direction they receive about a certain issue.
  
  
• Obey whatever God tells you to do.
  
  
• Continue your time of waiting on God throughout the day. Always be listening for His voice.

John 10:27 says, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." Do you hear God's voice?