How to Hear God’s Voice

In the book “Overflow Of The Spirit”, Mark Virkler and others describe a way of tuning into God called “Two Way Journalling.” In Two Way Journalling, we write down a conversation, in which we ask God a question and then write what we believe He is saying back to us.

Virkler describes the constant stream of thoughts passing through our heads as a flow of ideas. Some of these thoughts are from our own head- “I am cold”, This is boring”, “I need to remember to buy milk”, and so on. Some of the thoughts are from satan: “You are no good”, “God would never talk to you”, etc. Then we have the voice of the Holy Spirit bringing revelation, exhortation and comfort. This flow is like the social media stream where all sorts of ideas just appear as we scroll through.

To hear God’s voice, we need to filter out what the other voices are saying to us and focus on God. Virkler describes a 4- step process to aid this.

1. Go to a quiet place and still your thoughts and emotions. Write down the things that might distract you and put them to one side. Breathe steadily and slow your body down.”Be still and know that I am God.”

2. Focus on Jesus. Play worship music, start to worship Jesus aloud with your words. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you.

3. Recognise that the voice of the Holy Spirit is heard in the spontaneous flow of thoughts. Having quieted your mind and focused on Jesus, the thoughts in your head are more likely to be the Holy Spirit speaking to you. Listen. Receive.

4. Write down your prayers and what it seems that God is saying to you. Let it be spontaneous and flowing. Don’t analyse anything. Listen and write.

Later, read over what you have written. Does it agree with Scripture? Does it sound like Jesus? Show trusted christians and ask their opinion.

We are not saying that this is the definitive way to listen to the Spirit of God. It is a way to sharpen our focus on the Holy Spirit and to learn to walk in a lifestyle of being led by the Spirit.

“Living by the Spirit means intentionally staying tuned to the flow within, which is the Spirit, the living water that flows from the throne of God.”

Jesus said that His sheep know His voice. God gives us His constant presence and regular guidance. All we need to do is learn to listen.