A Prayer to Help Us Listen to God’s Voice
By Kristine Brown
“My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.” (Proverbs 2:1-2 NLT)
“Why isn’t anyone listening to me?” I stomped through the house, picking up empty glasses off tables and socks off the floor. I wondered how I could give the same directions ten different times and still be ignored. Frustration ensued, and I threatened once again to take away all cell phones and electronics until everyone paid attention to my voice!
I retreated to my room in a huff, ready for some quiet time to calm my rising heart rate. In that moment, I remembered part of a verse I’d read before, “Tune your ears to wisdom…” I expected God to do something. To make others listen to me. Instead, I now sensed his gentle voice revealing truth from his Word that I desperately needed to hear. In the same way I want others to listen to me, God wants me to listen to him.
It hurts to feel like no one is listening. As a parent, spouse, co-worker, friend, or family member, we all want our voices heard by those around us. We long to have someone really pay attention when we’re talking— to value what we say. As I struggled with my own longing to be heard by my family that day, I imagined God in all his glory, with the same longing to be heard by his children. Yet in the rush of daily life, we tune him out. Until his loving voice becomes a faint sound in the background of all the other things we hear.
The first two verses of Proverbs 2 speak to my struggle to listen for God’s voice, “My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.”
God knew from the beginning of time that with all the noise of this world, we would need help discerning his voice. When we listen, his commands become a treasured possession to guide us through every part of our lives. If you’ve struggled to hear God, let today’s prayer guide you into giving him your full attention. He is faithful.
Let’s pray together for help listening to God’s voice.
Dear Lord,
Forgive me for letting the noise of this world drown out your voice. I’ve felt distant from you, and I long to draw near to my Heavenly Father once again. I know you are here with me now as I pray. Help me sense your loving presence and listen as you speak.
In the busyness of daily life, I sometimes forget to stay connected to you through prayer. Help me align my heart with yours. I choose to find moments throughout my day to spend with you, listening to what you have to say. Help me tune into your voice above all else. Thank you for the peace that comes when I take the time to really listen. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Photo credit: ©SalemDesign/BethanyPyle
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Originally published Sunday, 17 July 2022.
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