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Monday, April 9, 2018

Listening Prayer

“And the LORD came and called as before, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel replied, "Speak, your servant is listening." (1 Samuel 3:10 NLT)

God is constantly communicating with us. Creation itself is an ongoing conversation. He speaks to us daily through the wonders of nature, miraculous signs, scriptures, people, books, songs, dreams, visions, physical sensations, emotions, thoughts, impressions, etc. The key is to pay attention.

How can we listen to God?

-Expect God encounters. Many of us never notice God, because we aren’t expecting Him to show up in our daily lives. If we are meeting someone in a crowded area, we know we need to be actively looking out for him. Become familiar with God. Learn to know what to look for.

-Avoid distractions and tune in to the Spirit. God often uses non-verbal communication. He may impart wisdom, strength, guidance, comfort, and correction through impressions on our spirit. Be patient. Be still. Focus.

-Ask God questions. If you lack understanding, if you need direction, go to the Lord first instead of consulting your friends, family, and the internet.

-Obey diligently. God can use us as a messenger, a mouthpiece, or a scribe. He can nudge us to reach out, be empathetic, speak truth, encourage, and guide others. This might involve speaking, writing, or being present in the lives of others. Submit to being used by God even when it is uncomfortable.

“God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer.” (Mother Teresa)

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