HOW TO LISTEN TO GOD

Learning to hear the Lords voice isnt complicated. But it does require some discipline to find a
quiet place and to allow some time just listening.
Perhaps the hardest part of listening prayer is clearing your mind. With all the noise of life regularly
cascading through your mind, it can be hard to hear Gods voice. Theres no formula, but these
suggestions may help:
1. Set aside at least half an hour to start. When you are ready, quiet yourself. If stray thoughts
come through your mind, write them down on a separate piece of paper.
2. Read some scripture. Ask the Lord to speak to you through it in a way that you can understand.
Ask God to protect you in Jesus name from deception.
3. Then write down your question for prayer. Pause. This is where you wait and listen. God may
direct you to another passage of Scripture. He may share a tender word. Whatever you feel he
may be saying to you, write it down.
4. Ask him to confirm anything he shared with you.

Simple Strategies for Better Prayer Times

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Use a journal; it will help you focus. Plus its a great resource to look back and see the journey
the Lord took you on. It also helps fine-tune your spiritual ears to better hear him. Writing down
your impression of the Lords responses creates in you an expectancy that he will respond.

5. Use two different pens. I like to use the first colour to record my thoughts and the second pen to
record what I sense God is saying. The different colours clarify whos talking.
6. If, when you sit down to pray, you often have a to-do list pop up in your head, then have another
piece of paper handy to make a list with any other thoughts that pop up. Its okay and its
natural. Just let them come out so you can focus.

Questions To Test What you Hear from God

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Was it a clear word or just an impression? God may give us different degrees of confidence in
what he has said. We therefore need to humbly admit our fallibility. Get someone you trust to
check your impression and to confirm it or not.

7. Does it exalt Christ? (John 16:14)

8. Is it scriptural? Scripture is our authority. God does not contradict himself. (Proverbs 30:5-6)
9. Do other Christians confirm it? (Proverbs 20:18, Proverbs 15:22)
10. Does God cause it to actually take place? (Isaiah 55:11, Deuteronomy 18:21-22)