Hearing God

I am the good shepherd, I know my own and my own know me …. My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me (NET)

John 10:14,27

This verse makes it clear that all those born again (John 3:5) can hear Jesus’s voice and can recognise Jesus’s voice. Even if you’re not born again you will already have heard God’s voice, just not recognised it.

Ways God speaks to us

  • The audible voice of God (1 Kings 19:12-13, John 12:28-30, Matt 3:17, Matt 17:5)
    • This can sound like many waters (Rev 14:2), a raging fire (Deu 4:12), a loud thunder (Job 37:2), a small still voice (1 Kings 19:12-13)
  • Dreams (Matt 1:20, Matt 2:13, Acts 2:17)
  • Pictures and Visions (Acts 9:10, Acts 10:3)
  • Sense (2 Kings 4:9, Acts 2:43, Acts 27:10)
  • Creation and things around us (Psalm 19:1-4)

Ways we recognise it’s God speaking

By the relevance of what He says to us

  • At our time of need
  • In the resources He supplies
  • According to His self established ways

By the fruit it produces in us

  • Conviction (leaves hope) not condemnation (feeling of hopelessness)
  • How you respond
  • He graciously reminds us of our weaknesses
  • He gives you a sense of what others can be in Him
  • Your faith is strengthened

When receiving it’s important to discern between soul and spirit

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (ESV)

Romans 12:2

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. (ESV)

2 Cor 10:5

We receive from God through our mind. It’s important to renew our minds in God’s Word.

Lecto Divina

Lectio Devina is Latin for divine or sacred reading, and is a way of communicating with God and receiving revelation from Him.

  • Prepare: be still and know that I am God
    • Focus on the Lord
    • If things to do pop into your mind, write them down and place the list to one side
    • If possible, speak or sing in tongues at the start
  • Read the text slowly
  • Read it slowly again
    • what stands out to you?
  • Meditate on it
    • Repeat that part of the text over and over again.
    • What thoughts come to your mind?
    • What positives?
    • Jewish meditation – mutter, ponder, contemplate, consider
  • Talk to the Lord about it
    • Tell him about the thoughts you have been meditating on
    • How do you want to bless me/others or transform me/others through this?
    • Tell Him your thoughts and feelings
    • Ask Him to change your heart / mindset to align to His
  • Contemplate
    • Focus on His Presence and enjoy Him
    • Receive His love and refreshment
    • Thank Him for the Word He’s just given you