Last week, you peeked into my first prayer journal, started in 1998. I mentioned my grasp of spelling and understanding of God developed since those scribbles in pencil. I continued to write out prayers to the Lord, and on a mission trip to Guatemala as a teenager, I learned I could write down His response. The knowledge that God gave specific answers and insight started our back-and-forth letters in my journal.
This is what a prayer journal entry looked like three years ago.
October 16, 2017
Daddy,
I have this longing in me which can be summed up in the word: more. I think I could use more hours in my day, more time with Joel, more friends, more money, and more children. I know the deepest need is more understanding of your love. I remember the joy I had as a girl when I worshiped you and learned from your written and spoken words. I desire that joy back in my heart… a passion for the things of you.
Amen
P.S. Please quiet my thoughts and help me to hear you speaking to me.
Kassie—my delightful daughter! You need to remember you are learning on this journey of life and learners make mistakes. You are doing a lot of things well. Be encouraged! I am here as your strength and wisdom. Depend on my nearness.
As I listen to His leading, I am always encouraged. When God speaks to us, there will always be a sweet taste in our mouth (so to speak)- a peace, joy, or relief. Even if He corrects, He does so with complete affection and mercy.
So this brings us to the question for you: How do you hear from God?
If you don’t have a sure answer, these suggestions could help you learn to know His leading and nearness.
First, practice!
Richard Foster writes about prayer saying, “Real prayer is something we learn. The disciples asked Jesus, ‘Lord, teach us to pray’ (Luke 11:1)….It was liberating to me to understand that prayer involved a learning process. I was set free to question, to experiment, even to fail, for I knew I was learning.”* It might take time and require trying different ways to hear God speak to you. I would encourage you to follow Kaylee’s** approach and have a tenacious curiosity.
Second, ask yourself, “What do I want to hear from God?” I often write in my prayer journal a specific question to the Lord. This helps me focus on His answer. What do you want to hear Him say? You can ask questions such as: “God, how much do you love me? “God, what are your thoughts towards me?” “God, how do you reveal your love to me?” Whatever you want to hear from Him, ask him specifically. It helps me (the word girl) to sometime list out things that weigh on my mind. Then I can pray and seek leading in those specific areas. It could be months later, when I look back at the list, and see how God was directing me through these areas.
Third, be on the lookout! Notice emotions, dreams, unique inspiring thoughts, passages of scripture, or wise counsel. These are ways God can speak. If you are on the watch and listening, it’s much easier see His leading and hear God speak.
Finally, spend time reading the Bible. The words written in scripture reveal God’s heart for you. Through reading God’s Word, we learn how He speaks and what His voice sounds like. All of God’s directions in our lives will line up with what the Bible says. God won’t contradict what He has spoken through the Bible.
God communicates in creative and personal ways. He formed us to uniquely know Him. Watch for His guidance and take time to voice your questions. God’s voice and direction bring comfort and restoration. Perhaps you want to take pen to paper and write out a prayer. After you write down your thoughts, ask Him to speak in response. I encourage you to watch for His direction and listen for His voice. Ask yourself: how is it that He speaks to me?
-Kassie Joy
*Quote from Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
**Kaylee is my sister I told you about in part one.
