Listening Prayer

What is Listening Prayer?

1. Listening prayer is the spiritual practice of intentionally positioning ourselves to hear God speak to us. 

2. Listening prayer is about relationship and discipleship. 

• “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they  follow me.” John 10:27 

• I know them (gnosko) – Experiential knowledge/ relationship 

• They follow me – Discipleship

Why Listening Prayer?

1. To experience the reality of God’s love. 

   • And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19 

2. To hear the truth that sets us free.  

   • Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17 

   • If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:31, 32 

3. To receive revelation of what may need to be confessed or forgiven. 

   • Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.  

     Psalm 139:23, 24  

4. To gain wisdom for difficult situations. 

   • If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5 

5. To determine missional assignments. 

   • Acts 13:2, 3 

   • Acts 16:6-10 

6. To receive a word of encouragement for others. 

   • But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging, and comfort.  1 Corinthians 14:3 

Listening Prayer Exercise

Here is an example of a simple approach: 

• I close my eyes and use my sanctified imagination to situate myself in a pleasant, safe place. 

• I take a few slow deep breaths and calm and quiet myself. Psalm 131 

• I invite the Holy Spirit to wash over me and awaken my heart to hear God’s voice. 

• I fix the eyes of my heart upon Jesus. Hebrews 12:1-2 

• I sometimes just wait on the Spirit to speak, other times I  lift a question to the Lord… 

  • What do I need to hear from your heart to mine today,  Lord? Speak Holy Spirit, I am listening. 

  • Lord, is there a friend, family member or teammate that you would have me encourage today? If yes, what would you like me to say or do? 

• I listen for a flow of spontaneous thoughts, visions,  feelings, or impressions from His Word and Holy Spirit. 

• I journal what I experienced and/or heard from God in prayer.  

• I obey what Spirit shows me!

---