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How Can I Grow in My Ability To Hear God?

Though relationship with God grows throughout a lifetime, there are some spiritual practices which can be helpful in developing our ability to tune in to God’s transforming work in our lives.  Below are some practices that have been helpful to others through the years. 

Listening Prayer
Lectio Divina (Scriptural Reading)
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Journaling
Intentional Self Reflection

 

Listening Prayer 

Learning to listen to God and recognize his voice is an important part of developing a deeper relationship with God.  So many times we think of prayer as talking to God, and of course, it is, but it is also listening to God.  Growing in our ability to hear God comes through practice, just like many other skills.  You can start by regularly setting aside time to listen to God.  Simply find a quiet spot, begin by offering a short prayer inviting God to speak, and then be still.  It can sometimes be helpful to bring one question that is on your heart before God.  Don’t worry if your mind wanders, that is normal, just gently return to focus on listening. Also, don’t be concerned if you don’t “hear” anything, that is also normal.  This is a practice which takes time to develop and mature, so stick with it. You might consider keeping a journal of your experiences in listening prayer, so you can record your experience or what you think God may be saying. Remember, Listening Prayer is one part of your relationship with God, so let listening become a regular part of your life with God, just as are worship, praying your requests, reading scripture, etc. 

Lectio Divina (Scriptural Reading)
Lectio Divina is a type of Scripture reading that focuses on listening to God through the Scriptures.  The four parts – Reading, Meditating, Praying, Contemplating – allow us to enter into the Word of God in new ways and grow in ability to hear God through Scripture. 

• Reading – read a small passage of scripture about 3 times very slowly, reverentially, attentively listening to hear a word or phrase that is God’s word for us this day.
• Meditating – when a word or phrase has come to you from the passage, gently meditate on it by repeating it, imagining it, allowing it to interact with your thoughts.  Let the word of God touch you and move into your heart.
• Praying -  Take the phrase or thoughts that God has given you and pray about them with God.  Ask God to work them into your life and change you through his word to you.
• Contemplation – Simply rest in the presence of God.  Allow yourself to sit quietly with God, to just be with God.  Let go of your need to have words and just sit in silence with your loving Savior and Holy friend.

What is Spiritual Direction?
It can sometimes be helpful to have someone to walk with us on our spiritual journey.  Though this could be a friend, mentor, counselor, or pastor, it could also be a Spiritual Director, someone who meets with you regularly over time to assist you in discerning the presence of God and live out God’s call in your life.  The Biola Institute of  Spiritual Formation has Spiritual Directors available for students.  In addition, the Career Counselors at Biola Career Services welcome discussion about how God relates to your career decisions.

What is Spiritual Journaling?
Throughout history followers of Jesus have found that writing down prayers, thoughts, experiences with God, questions or concerns can be an aid to personal and spiritual growth.  By taking time to reflect on what is happening in our lives and interacting with God through written prayer, God often brings clarity, focus or needed understanding.  The form doesn’t matter.  Try it and see if the practice of journaling becomes a opportunity to walk with God in a deeper way.

 

Intentional Self-Reflection

Spending time reflecting on how God has designed you can often bring a beginning clarification to God’s callings and purposes for your life.  Though there are many ways to structure a time of self-reflection, asking yourself some questions can be a good start. Below are some questions to consider. Some people prefer to write answers to these alone, others may want to talk their thoughts over with a friend.  Career Services is available to meet with you to explore your thoughts, answer any questions you may have or figure out next steps.

Who am I?
What are my gifts and abilities?
What makes me unique?
What brings me the greatest joy?
What are the deepest desires of my heart?
What do I love to do?
What are my strongest interests?
How would I most like to spend my time?
What do I do well?
When I set aside longings for security, wealth, comfort, fame, or acceptance, what do I long for?
If I could be one thing and do one thing with my life, what would I want it to be?
Where do I see the brokenness of the world?
What needs in the world am I most drawn to?
In what ways would I most like to contribute to the world?
What problems in the world am I most interested in addressing?
What type of setting would I prefer to spend my time in?