Oftentimes, our prayer lives can be filled with worries, requests, gratitude, and thoughts as we monologue to God. But just like any other relationship, sometimes we need to just sit and listen, rather than talk. Listening prayer helps us to quiet our minds and instead focus on hearing God’s voice. No one can force God to speak, so listening prayer is not in our control; instead, we practice our ability to hear the voice of God when we put ourselves in a place to hear him when he speaks.

Some Ways to Get Started:

• Practice lectio divina (divine reading) as a form of listening prayer. Read a short portion of Scripture, and listen for a word or phrase to catch your attention. Re-read the passage and sit in silence in God’s presence and invite him to speak to you about that word or phrase.
• Listen to worship music. What captures your heart? Repeat the words to yourself. Hear Jesus speaking those words to you. Let them reside in you and quiet your heart.
• Give yourself twenty minutes and get into a relaxed posture. Welcome the Lord to speak to you: Father, I invite you into this moment and space with me. I am listening. What is it that you want to speak to me? What do you want me to hear? If your thoughts start to wander, gently redirect your attention back on listening. This is a discipline that takes practice, so give yourself grace. Take the full twenty minutes, refocusing your attention as many times as you need. Listen for the Lord’s voice.