Listening (Silent) Prayer

Below you will find a summary of this week’s teaching, along with daily prayer prompts. You can also download a printable version of the daily prompts.

• What We Learned

  Silence is one of the hardest disciplines to cultivate amidst today’s flurry of information and distraction… it is completely counter-cultural! In silence, however, we sensitize ourselves to hear the “still small voice” of the Lord (1 Kings 19:12). Our silent, listening prayers can be our most powerful encounters with God.

  • Over and over, Jesus reminds us to perceive what He is saying to us: “He who has ears, let him hear” (Matt. 13:9)

  • There is a “knowing” of God that is reserved for those who are willing to be  “be still” (Ps. 46:10)

  • Jesus consistently retreated from the crowds so He could listen to what the Father was saying (Mark 1:35; Matt. 14:13; John 5:19-20)

  • We are wired to hear and know His voice (John 10:27)

  • His voice is pure and brings wisdom and peace—it stills us, reassures us, encourages us, forgives us, and reveals truth (James 3:17)

• Prayer Prompts: Aug. 19-24

  This week we will exercise our ability to listen to God in silence. This is a discipline most of us haven’t honed, but just like a muscle responds to exercise, so our ability will increase as we intentionally commit ourselves to practice it. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Find a quiet place, away from noise and distraction. 

  • You might find it helpful to close your eyes, or dim the lights in your room.

  • You could practice in total silence or have instrumental worship music playing softly (You can find great options by Soaking In His Presence or Sound of Heaven on YouTube/Apple/Spotify).

  • Have a pen and notepad with you to capture what you are hearing, even if it is one word or phrase.

  • Pray: “Lord, teach me how to be a good listener. Give me ears to hear what You are saying.”

  • Don’t despair if it feels like your mind and soul won’t quiet down—this takes effort! Start small—set a timer for a few minutes, and commit yourself to stay until it goes off. Then gradually increase that time the next time you try. Slowly you’ll find your capacity to sit in silence will grow!

  • Read “How to Listen to God”, a helpful guide written in the 1930s by John E. Batterson and widely distributed by Oxford Group for Alcoholics Anonymous.

  Remember, He wants to speak to us even more than we want to listen!

• Guidelines for Daily Prayer

  • Find a consistent time and place to set aside 20-30 minutes daily.

  • Print out the prayer prompts and Scriptures.

  • Invite family or roommates to join in, or find your own quiet space without distractions.

  • Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” and put it in the other room.

  • The prompts provided here are just a guide. Feel free to adjust and adapt during your prayer time.

  • Don’t worry if you miss one day. Just pick it up again the next day and keep going!