Posted by 90 Days of Prayer – Day Three
Isaiah 55:8-9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
I think of Moses who spoke with God as a man speaks to his friend. Israel knew God from what He did, Moses knew why He did it. “He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel.” – Psalm 103:7
God’s thoughts, ways, and the intentions behind all His plans are vastly different from ours, as they are infinitely higher than anything we could possibly think or imagine. Learning to hear God’s voice is invaluable.
Hearing His voice enables us to know what He’s is thinking at that moment. How often Jesus said to hear what the Spirit of God is saying to the Churches as well as to each individual. This is why receiving a word from the Lord, either through the Scriptures (which is His primary way of speaking to us) or directly through prayer is so powerful.
Keep in mind that no communication from God will ever contradict His written Word. God uses many modes of communication to encourage, guide, instruct, or correct. Whenever and however God speaks to us, His voice will bring His presence upon us and fill us with faith.
In verse six of this same chapter people are instructed to “seek the Lord while He may be found, and call on Him while He is near.” The force behind this passage carries with it the idea of seeking God with an intense desire to know Him, to be pardoned and reconciled for the purpose of living a lifestyle of worship, and accomplishing His plan.
Learning to hear what God is saying begins with practicing being aware of His presence with us 24/7. In prayer we begin to practice waiting on Him to respond to a question we ask Him and/or complaint. We then wait patiently and expectantly for His answer. Becoming familiar with His voice is where we begin learning His thoughts and His ways.
What does God’s voice sound like?
So, what does God’s voice sound like? God’s voice usually comes to us as spontaneous thoughts, apart from our own natural train of thoughts. Often flowing gently, easily rising up from our heart. We can easily lose that gentle flow of thoughts if we get distracted.
Usually God’s voice is presented in the first person. His voice will often cause a reaction within us as we’re receiving it. God’s voice also carries authority, accompanied by grace sufficient for the need, or to empower us to accomplish whatever He’s saying.
Hearing God’s thoughts moves our prayer time from a monologue to a dialogue, as we become better acquainted with Him. Much of the time He will speak to us as we study His Word. Much of my dialogue with God takes place while I’m discussing His intention behind a particular passage of Scripture I’m meditating on.
Keeping a journal helps
Write down your thoughts and questions, record what God is saying in answer to them. You’ll be surprised how often God will impress upon your heart His thoughts about your own. It is for this reason we should always have our prayer journal with us in our prayer time.
My journals are a record of my own thoughts, questions and requests, and God’s responses to them. I cannot overstate the importance of recording what God has said to us, and what it means to have a record of His answers to our prayers when they come. Please number your pages and write the date on each page.
It’s also helpful to record the exact time of day when God speaks to you. You will be falling ever deeper in love with God has you continue to call on Him and become better acquainted with Him, as you hear His thoughts, and begin to learn His ways. Be patient, enjoy His Presence and Be Encouraged! – JSP
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