Listening to God
If we want to follow Jesus, we have to listen to him. You heard that right- I don’t know any way to be a disciple of Jesus (or fully alive human) without hearing God’s voice and doing what he says.
If we want to be good listeners to others, we need to start by listening to God. You can’t pour out what you don’t have, right? And listening to God isn’t just about reading the Bible or praying with our requests—it’s about sitting in silence, being attentive to what God might be saying to us."
In the Gospel of Matthew, we’ve seen Jesus often retreat to quiet places to pray and listen to the Father. One of the most powerful examples is in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46). Right before His arrest, Jesus didn’t rush into action—He withdrew, spent time in prayer, and listened to the Father’s will. Even while knowing the storm that lie ahead, Jesus chose to stay present in the moment, listening, even though the answer He received was difficult. His willingness to listen shaped His actions and ultimately brought rescue to a groaning creation. We see him listening for the Fathers voice in the quiet, and in the storms, and we would do well to do the same.
When we carve out time to listen to God, it’s like tuning our hearts to the right frequency.
But how do we do that? What does listening to God actually look like in our daily lives? We want to give five different ways we can listen to God each tuning our hearts, minds, and bodies to continue in the kingdom current. We hope these are helpful for you as you continue to discern God’s voice and lead others to do the same.
Scripture: "The Bible is the most direct way we hear from God. It’s His written Word, available to us anytime. When we read Scripture, we’re not just gaining knowledge; we’re opening ourselves to be shaped by God’s voice. Tom Ashbrook says, ‘Scripture is a doorway into the presence of God.’ It invites us into a conversation with Him. Think about Matthew 4:4, when Jesus says, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ The words we hear from God sustain us, just like food sustains our bodies." Remember, hearing God’s voice includes doing what it says… just look at that parable of the Sower.
Prayer: Listening to God in prayer is more than just bringing a list of requests. It’s also about creating space for silence and stillness. Sometimes, we need to stop talking and simply sit in God’s presence. As Tom Ashbrook puts it, ‘Prayer is not just about asking; it’s about being.’ In Matthew 6:6, Jesus instructs us to 'go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.' In the quiet, we give God room to speak to our hearts. It’s not about being hidden, but it’s about nurturing a private life where God speaks and we listen. And we speak and God listens. It’s not about show, pagentry, and likes- it’s about being with Jesus and hearing what he has to say.
Community: God often speaks through others. Think of Matthew 18:20, where Jesus says, ‘For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.’ Yes, this verse is in context about church discipline, but it’s also about discernment. There’s a unique dimension to the people of God gathering and speaking into shared issues and concerns as they together listen to the Spirit. When we listen to trusted brothers and sisters in Christ, we’re often hearing God’s wisdom, encouragement, or even correction through their words. Ruth Haley Barton reminds us that ‘community helps us discern God’s voice together.’ This is why being part of a community matters—it helps us sharpen our listening skills- and is part of us reflecting the image of God back to our friends.
Creation: We can listen to God through His creation. The Psalms are full of these references, but for our series we are sticking primarily with Matthew and as Matthew 6:26 reminds us, ‘Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.’ In the beauty and order of the natural world, we see God’s care and provision, and we’re reminded that He is speaking through everything He has made. Sometimes, a quiet walk in nature can help us hear what our busy minds are blocking out. One author says “Creation itself is a symphony of God’s voice, inviting us to listen and reflect.’ Slow down. “Touch Grass” as the kids say. Be in God’s creation as you listen to God’s voice.
Missionally: Finally, we listen missionally—seeking to hear where God is already at work in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities. It’s about tuning our ears to the cries and needs around us and asking, ‘God, where are You moving? How can I join You in this work?’ This can open doors to conversations that lead to deeper relationships and opportunities to share the gospel and life.
Next Steps
Take fifteen minutes today and ask God “Where are you at work, and How can I join you in that?”
Use your examen and reflect on God’s voice throughout your day. What have you noticed him saying? When were you distracted from hearing his voice? Be curious about that.
Which of the five ways of listening to God comes more naturally to you? Which takes some work? Have this conversation within your DNA group, marriage, or MC.
Trace “Listen” through the True Story. See how the act of hearing God’s voice and doing what he says shapes the ENTIRE Bible!