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If I went on a retreat to hear God speaking to me, to hear God’s calling, below are the steps that I would take to hear God’s voice.
- I would memorize and meditate on these two verses to get started.
These verses are my “go-to” passages when I want to hear God’s voice.
The verses are packed with insight. I’m not telling you what I have learned from these passages, as it is important that God speaks and teaches you directly.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:1-2).
Next, I would read Romans 8!
This chapter has everything that you need to know about walking with God and listening to His voice. Each time that I read this chapter, I find one verse that speaks to me in a way that I had not previously discerned in the dozens of times that I’ve read this chapter.
I will share one verse that I always get stuck on. Not that it’s confusing – just the wonder of it, and the verse contains the basis for expecting God to speak.
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God (Romans 8:15-16).
- Now, I can prepare my spirit to listen to God’s Spirit. I do this by discerning the following …
What, if anything, is troubling me right now? I cast this anxiety upon the Lord. (Read 1 Peter 5:6-11.)
I ask, “God, is there gratitude and thanksgiving in my soul right now?” I read my favorite Psalms until I sense a “lightening” in my attitude. (Read Philippians 4:4-7.)
- I ask if there are strongholds in my life – besetting sins that keep returning, familiar sins that have become accustomed in my life or opposing spirits that keep defeating God’s promises in my life. (Read Ephesians 6:10-20.)
- It’s time to tell God the desires of my heart.
God’s calling comes through my cleansed and sanctified desires. I make a list of my wildest dreams. But first, I read Ephesians 3:14-21.
- Now, I go ahead and say, “God, speak to me!”
If I have cast my troubles upon the Lord, if I reviewed how God wants to speak to me, and if I have confessed what hinders God’s voice in my life – God will speak to me!
As I listen – to keep my mind focused – I read Psalm 25 over and over.
I always write down what He says to me.
That’s it, as promised in Interruptions #873 and #874.
The “Calling Retreat” outlined above should take a half hour per section or three hours. If you are downtrodden in heart and mind, you should take a day and give yourself an hour or two on each point.
May God speak to us!