How do you hear God? In the month of April I started a new practice: prayer journaling. It was actually part of my homework for a mentorship group I’m in, but I have been realizing that it is something I need to do. Why? Because it forces me to take the time to listen to God.

So often in our prayer lives, it goes something like this:
“God, thanks for today, and for my family, and please would you help so and so, and I’m really worried about this, and this, and this, and this….”

Sometimes we forget to just praise our God, and often – at least in my case – I don’t stop long enough to hear from Him. I want Him to talk on my terms. I want to be able to hear God while I’m busy doing (and worrying) about 17 other different things. Here’s the problem, I haven’t stopped long enough to properly learn to hear His voice.

In the book of 1 Kings 19:11-18 we read about Elijah’s encounter with God on the mountain. When was it that God spoke? In the earthquake? In the strong wind? How about in the fire? Nope. Then a still, small voice. It was in this – Elijah recognized – that God was speaking.

Here’s the thing: Business is a normal part of life. In fact, it’s not a bad thing to be busy with different things. Work and things to keep us busy in moderation is a gift! When we allow it to get in the way taking time to learn God’s voice, it becomes a curse, and not a blessing. If you want to hear God’s voice despite the fire, and the earthquake, and the tornados of life, you need to take time to cultivate listening for the still small voice. That comes – first and foremost – by allow God the time and space to speak to you. Put away other things and give God your full attention. For me, that happens in the mornings, on the couch, with my journal. For you, that might happen differently.

Some of us will have more time than others. Some of us barely have enough time to go for a shower in the morning before the kids or the job want us. Take even two minutes, on the way to work, or after you step out of the shower. Let the world stop and begin to thank God – maybe for those crazy kids or that job. Then just ask God a question. Start with something small, like “God, do you love me?” Write down what you hear if you can. As you move to bigger things, ask God for confirmation. He will never contradict His Word. Then allow God to gently speak to you. He does speak, and He will speak to you. Simply ask, and then listen with your “heart-ears.” He will meet you – even in the two minutes between the shower and the kids – in the refreshing gentleness of His presence.

I’m finding it takes considerable practice, but it starts by making time and allowing yourself to hear. I pray this is not a burden, but rather something that will lift burdens from you. This is something that I have started doing and I do not regret it, even when life is busy. I pray God will show you where you can make time – even for two minutes – to listen to His still small voice this month.

Blessings,
Pastor Josh