Listening Prayer – A Prayer After God’s Heart
How I Learned to Hear God’s Voice
I began to actively hear God’s voice in my mid–high school years, around age 13 or 14. Before then, I would listen to friends speak about “hearing God” and silently wonder what they meant. Was God speaking out loud? Was it like a conversation on the phone?
One day, after praying, I stayed still and quiet for a few moments. Gradually, I began to hear clear instructions in my heart. I knew these thoughts weren’t mine — they carried a peace and authority beyond me. Not long after, I even had an unusual experience: while sitting for a test on a subject that had proven difficult, I bowed my head to pray during the test (I didn’t know what answer to write). Then I “heard” the direct answers to a question which I later found to be correct. Those early days were my training ground, learning to recognize the inner witness of the Holy Spirit speaking to my human spirit.
Prayer: Not A One-Way Conversation
Many believers treat prayer as a one-way conversation: we bombard heaven with our requests, say “Amen,” and walk away — never waiting to hear heaven’s side of the conversation.
But in Scripture, prayer is always relational. God fellowshipped with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day (Genesis 3:8). He spoke to Elijah not in the earthquake or fire, but in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12). Sometimes He speaks audibly, but often His voice is most clear in the stillness.
Leanne Payne, in her book Listening Prayer, explains that cultivating an inner stillness allows us to welcome God’s presence and hear His personal guidance. Prayer isn’t just talking to God — it’s talking with God.
What Is Listening Prayer?
Listening prayer is intentionally creating space to hear God’s voice — not just with your ears, but with your spirit.
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” – John 10:27It’s more than a “quiet time” habit. It’s a heart posture of expecting God to speak, guide, correct, or comfort you.
Like tuning a radio, you sometimes have to adjust the “frequency” of your thoughts to remove static (distractions, anxieties) and hear the signal clearly.
How to Practice Listening Prayer
1. Prepare Your Heart
Begin with worship or thanksgiving to tune your spirit to God’s presence.
Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you.
2. Be Still
Find a quiet place.
Silence external noise and mental clutter.
Rest in God’s presence without rushing.
3. Listen with Expectation
Ask: “Lord, what do You want to say to me today?”
Pay attention to Scripture verses, mental pictures, or a deep knowing in your heart.
4. Test What You Hear
Check against the Word of God — He never contradicts Himself.
Seek confirmation through godly counsel when needed.
Interactive Activity: Listening Prayer Journal
This week, set aside at least 10 minutes for listening prayer. Write:
What Scripture, picture, or thought came to mind.
How you believe God might be guiding you.
One action step you’ll take in response.
“What’s one thing God impressed on your heart during your listening prayer time this week? How did it affect your decisions or attitude?”
Conclusion:
Prayer without listening is like calling a friend, talking for 20 minutes, and hanging up before they can answer. God longs for a two-way conversation with His children. As you practice stillness, you’ll discover that His voice often comes not in the noise, but in the gentle whisper.
Interactive Reflection Prompts
When was the last time you sensed God’s guidance clearly?
What distractions make it hard for you to hear God’s voice?
How can you make space for listening prayer in your daily routine?
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