Many times, we approach prayer and we just talk and talk and talk, and then we say, “amen,” but God wants to talk to us just as much as we want to talk to Him. I would argue He wants to talk to us even more.
It’s important to set aside time just to hear from God. As you do, you might not always hear anything, but the purpose is to be still in the presence of God. His presence alone can calm your mind and soul before you actually enter into any other type of prayer.
The Lord may place something on your heart in that time of stillness that will encourage your soul, give you the wisdom you need, or provide the answer you were looking for that you wouldn’t have heard otherwise. I think about the prophet Elijah and God speaking to him in 1 Kings 19, through a “gentle whisper” or “still small voice.” Many times, that’s how God will speak to us—in stillness and quiet.
John 10:27 says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27-28 ESV) Jesus says His followers will know His voice. That means we are listening for His voice. Talking to God is one way that we pray, but listening is another way, and both are equally important in the growth of our relationship with God.
Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for speaking to us. Help us to be still and listen for Your gentle whisper. Guide us to hear Your voice and to follow Your lead in our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Reflect: Have you ever experienced God’s voice in a time of stillness? How did it impact you?