God speaks to us in different ways. Sometimes we hear that “still small voice,” gently whispering to us (1 Kings 19:12 NKJV). Sometimes it’s a louder voice, directing our circumstances, “This is the way you should go...” (Isaiah 30:21 NLT) We also hear God as we read His word, which is “alive and powerful” (Hebrews 4:12).
Yes, these are a few of the ways God speaks to us. So if we know God speaks to us, why is it so difficult to hear from Him? Why do we struggle when trying to hear God’s voice?
Learning to hear from God is so much more than just asking for direction and expecting Him to answer. It involves preparation. “So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world” (1 Peter 1:13). As we consider this verse, let’s spend time this week preparing our hearts and minds to hear from God.
With these 7 prayers we can refocus on our Heavenly Father and learn to hear from Him like never before.
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Dear Heavenly Father,
Your Word says I will seek you and find you when I seek you with all my heart (Jeremiah 29:13). I long to hear your voice, Lord. But I know that in order to hear you, I need to spend time with you. Help me to desire your presence more than anything else. More than answers, more than direction, more than blessings. Your presence is a gift, and I will show gratitude for that gift by making time to seek you in prayer each day. Whether it’s for five minutes or an hour, I know you will meet me there.
Father, forgive me for letting my life get so busy that I have forgotten to prioritize our time together. Thank you for the second chance. Thank you also for reminding me of the danger of trying to face life’s challenges in my own strength. Time in your presence brings peace, comfort, and renewed hope.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Dear Heavenly Father,
Your Word says I can bring my problems to you in prayer and that your peace will guard my heart and my mind (Philippians 4:7). I struggle with this, Lord. I try to stay focused on you when I pray, but so often my mind wanders back to those problems I’ve already prayed about. The cares of the day distract my thoughts. Focusing my mind on you is a difficult task, so I am asking for your help. God, I want to hear your voice. Help me push away distracting thoughts and set my mind on you. Thank you for giving me authority as your child to “take thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). I pray today for the strength and wisdom to continue taking each wayward thought captive and refocusing my mind on you in prayer.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Dear Heavenly Father,
I understand an important step in hearing from you is discerning what I read in Scripture. I confess that sometimes I don’t understand what I am reading. But you provide confirmation and instruction through related verses, commentaries, and biblical teachings that will help me when I struggle to find the meaning. Lord, you say I can ask for wisdom and that you will give it to me (James 1:5).
I ask for wisdom today to understand the Bible and how it applies to my life. I pray for the teachers and preachers you have equipped to share your Word with others, that I will learn from them with both humility and discernment. And above all, I pray what I learn will open my heart to hearing from you. Thank you for speaking to me through Scripture.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Dear Heavenly Father,
Sometimes I feel so overloaded with problems, responsibilities, and situations weighing me down. Things just keep piling on, and I realize I can’t carry them all. But your Word offers a better way. I don’t have to live with heavy burdens; in fact, you don’t want me to. Romans 15:13 says, “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him.”
You promise to fill my heart with good things. But I need to be willing to release all the junk first. Lord, forgive me for holding onto things that I need to release. I have been trying to do it all, leaving little room for you to work in my life. Thank you for letting me “cast my cares on you” as I prepare my heart for what you have to say.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Dear Heavenly Father,
So often my time spent in prayer becomes a one-sided conversation. I talk and talk, not giving you a chance to speak. I realize that I haven’t intentionally taken time to listen to you, Lord. I confess my need for real change when it comes to my listening skills. Your Word says we should be “quick to listen” (James 1:19). I want to learn to listen well as I pray. Father, please help me become a better listener. I commit to setting aside time during prayer to just be still and listen. I pray as I embrace those quiet moments, I will hear from you in a fresh new way. I also believe through actively listening to you, I will be able to become a better listener for others. Thank you for reminding me to be still and simply listen.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Dear Heavenly Father,
It’s easy to get caught up in the craziness of daily life and forget about your loving presence. You are here with me, but distractions take my attention away from the Holy Spirit, who offers peace and calm in the midst of the chaos. Lord, in those times when my to-do list seems a mile long, help me stay aware of your presence. I know you will never leave me nor forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:6).
I know I can stay connected with you by offering short, simple prayers anytime. Words like, “Lord I need you” or “I give you praise” will simply redirect my thoughts toward you and help me be aware of your leading. Lord, guide me along your path. When I have you, I don’t need anything else. Thank you for the gift of being with me at all times.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Dear Heavenly Father,
I confess there have been times when I thought I knew best. I trusted my own wants and desires over your will. I have even been guilty of taking my problems to you in prayer but expecting you to answer a certain way or at a specific time. And when you didn’t answer according to my expectations, I became discouraged. Forgive me Lord, for not trusting you in all things.
As I prepare to hear from you, I will let go of my expectations and allow you to work according to your will and your ways. Your Word says, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps” (Proverbs 16:9). I want your will to be done, not mine. Let my wants align with your will, Lord. I know I won’t be able to hear from you if I am focused on my own desired outcome or timing. I release my expectations and thank you for speaking into my life—in your way, at your time, and for your purpose.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Kristine Brown is a communicator at heart, sharing inspiration that highlights God’s powerful Word and redemptive grace. You’ll find encouragement to help you “become more than yourself through God’s Word” at her website, kristinebrown.net. Kristine is the author of the book, Over It. Conquering Comparison to Live Out God’s Plan, and the devotional version for teen girls, Over It. Trading Comparison for the True Me.
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Originally published Sunday, 02 August 2020.
