CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 959

“Hearing God”

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:27)

As a senior citizen I am well aware of how difficult it is to hear a voice and discern words in the midst of many sounds, voices, and background noise. I wish there were an environmental squelch control that could suppress all but the desired signal or sound. Indeed, modern hearing aid technology employs such automatic circuitry to allow the hearing impaired to hear clearly the desired sounds and spoken words.

There are times during worship, prayer and Bible study where a thought squelch control would be useful. Do you find that your thoughts wander off during your quiet time with the Lord? Do you at times find it difficult to press into His presence and enter into worship because of all the distractions around you and in your mind? My desire is to hear from God continually and these issues are a hindrance to fulfilling that desire.

When we remain tuned in to hear God’s voice we hear Him assuring us of His love. We hear His promises to us. We hear Him comfort us and encourage us through difficult times. We hear His direction and guidance in uncertain times. When we stumble we hear His voice calling to us to lift us back up and set us on solid ground. We hear His conviction, correction and words of restoration when we have wandered off the path of righteousness.

The enemy of your soul does not want you to live such a life of faith and fellowship with Jesus. He will throw every weapon in his arsenal at you to distract you, lure you away, and weaken your faith. Our battle strategy to counter the attack of the enemy is outlined in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians: We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Some tactics are:

1. Leave your devices at home or in the car when you go to church to worship and pray. Leave them off when at home during your quiet time with the Lord.

But Martha was distracted … anxious and troubled about many things…(Luke 10:40-41)

2. Prayer ‘closet’. Set aside a time and place for daily bible study, prayer, worship, and communion with God. You can also establish an effective prayer ‘closet’ in the church sanctuary by choosing to sit in an area where you will be least distracted by the activity of others. Close your eyes during praise and worship if that helps. Sing praises – actively participate in worship rather than choosing to be entertained and you will be able to press in to the presence of God and hear His voice.

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:6)

3. Journal. Writing your prayers, praise, thoughts and concerns as you pour your heart out to God focuses your mind and effectively squelch the noise and distractions of the enemy.

May your heart’s desire be to seek first His kingdom and righteousness and to walk continually with Him. May the Lord equip you to effectively squelch the noise of this evil world as you remain tuned in to hear His voice clearly.