Hearing the Voice of God

I just browsed an Anglican forum where the issue of "Does the Holy Spirit speak to us?" was being dissected, as only this particular forum can do.

I just get so creeped out by these discussions. This is Kindergarten stuff in the Kingdom of God.

Every Christian should be capable of hearing the voice of God. Jesus said "My sheep know my voice."

There is one caveat that I must insert here, though. The final revelation of God's will is found in Scripture. Everything must be measured against the Word of God. Every word that purports to be from God must conform to the written Word of God.

Prophetic words will not contradict the Scriptures. Nor will prophetic words bring new doctrines or "revelations" of God.

So how do we hear God's voice?

The first and most important part is to listen. Obvious isn't it? But how many do it?

We need to be in a place of stillness- both externally and internally.

Read the Scriptures first, prayerfully. Meditate on the word of God. Then ask Him to show you what you need to know from the scripture.

I find journalling really useful. Write down your prayers, things you want to talk to God about. Then write down His answers to you. Just write down the thoughts that go through your head that seem to be what God is saying to you. Don't analyse it, yet. Analysis often breaks the flow. Just let God speak and write His words. It may be that a conversation develops.

At the end of the time, read back what you have written. Does it sound like God? Does it agree with Scripture? Does it seem to accord with what is already happening?

Sometimes God will give you words of encouragement or rebuke for yourself. Other times He will give you words for friends or family members. Perhaps He will give you a word for your church. In all of these cases, it is important to respond in humility and gentleness.

If God gives you a word for someone else, don't blast them with a "Thus saith the Lord." Say to them something like, "I think God might have given me a word for you. Do you mind if I tell you what it is, so that you can judge whether it is from God?"

As you practise, you will find that all of this comes more easily.

This of course is training for what is really important- learning to listen to God in the daily things of life, and then to respond to those promptings of the Holy Spirit.

It's when you learn to do that that you start to move in genuine maturity of faith.

Blessings

Keith