Listening Prayer Guide
Listening prayer is an ancient method that helps believers tune into the Holy Spirit by eliminating noise and quieting the mind. Prayer is meant to be a two-way communication. Sitting in silence and listening to God helps re-center our kingdom priorities, shifting the focus away from our own to-do lists to what the Holy Spirit reveals.
How to Practice Listening Prayer
The Focus — Psalm 46:10
Set aside quiet time to focus solely on God. Often, the hardest part of listening prayer is creating space to be quiet. You can make space by waking up a little earlier, taking a walk, or sitting somewhere with few distractions. Find a consistent time in your daily routine to be still.
"Be still…and know that I am God!”
"Be still…and know that I am God!”
The Ask – 1 Samuel 3:9
Ask the Lord Jesus to silence other voices and help you focus on Him. Begin your time by praying, “Father God, keep any voice other than the Holy Spirit from distracting me. Help me focus on You. Speak, Lord, your servant is listening. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord, amen.” Sit in silence and listen. So he said to Samuel, "Go and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, ‘Speak, LORD, your servant is listening.”
The Distractions - Hebrews 12:2
Distractions will happen, and that’s okay. Sometimes it helps to have a Bible verse as a reset. If you get distracted or your mind wanders, reread the verse and continue.“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
The Revelation - John 16:13-14
Take note of what comes to your mind and heart. God speaks in various ways: through scripture, songs, images, thoughts, or impressions. Write down the things that come to your mind that you sense may be from the Holy Spirit.
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me.”
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me.”
The Testing – 1 John 4:1
Test what you sense the Holy Spirit is saying to you. Since not every thought or impression is from God, ensure what you sense aligns with scripture. The Holy Spirit’s words will produce His fruit in you: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22). If anything you hear brings fear, shame, anxiety, or condemnation, it is not from the Holy Spirit.“You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God.”
The Sharing – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Share what you have received with humility, inviting trusted spiritual friends to see if they agree it might be from God. Give thanks and live it out. “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”
This guide aims to help believers practice listening prayer effectively, fostering a deeper connection with the Holy Spirit and encouraging spiritual growth.
This guide aims to help believers practice listening prayer effectively, fostering a deeper connection with the Holy Spirit and encouraging spiritual growth.