God is preparing our church for a significant move of his Spirit, and it will be revealed by people having a greater hunger and thirst after God and his Spirit over anything else this world has to offer.
This week we are praying for a greater hunger for God and for Him to fill us. Along with praying every day for five minutes for God to give us greater hunger for Him, we will also be focusing on listening for His voice in our prayer times.
Jesus shows us that prayer is all about our relationship and life with the Father. We learn how to relate to the Father in different ways and through different types of prayer. With listening prayer we ask the question: “What is it like to actually hear from God?” We will explore what it is like to hear from the Spirit. In this Practice we allow the Holy Spirit access to our minds, imaginations, which were created and given by God.
In your group this week, practice Listening Prayer in the group first. Model what it would look like to incorporate this into a daily rhythm.
There are some common things that keep us from hearing from God in prayer. Remember, we are asking God to “wake us up” to His voice, His nudges, and His awareness in our daily lives.
- Start by silencing things in the room you are in (like music, devices, or other technology). Ask Jesus to silence all the other voices and distractions. Then ask Jesus to also silence the voice of the enemy. This can come through stresses and anxieties of situations you are currently going through.
- Begin with forgiveness. Psalm 139 is a great prayer to pray. If He reveals anything, confess it, and then begin to open yourself to Him and the way He has wired you to encounter Him.
“Search me, God, and know my heart;
Psalm 139:23-24
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.”
- Ask the Father to give you a word, picture, Scripture, or a song, feeling or a spiritual gift He may desire to give you. Try not to strive. Don’t be discouraged if something doesn’t come quickly and don’t dismiss anything! Remember that this is a Practice and we are learning to hear and respond to His voice. You may want to write down what you are encountering.
- Ask the Father some follow up questions:
- What do you want me to know about this?
- Is there anything else you want to say to me?
- Be ready to share how God spoke to you with your group, family, spouse, roommate, or whoever you are with. As we listen for His voice, He will continue to fill us with his presence and will stir our passions for Him! He will awaken us to His will and ways.
