Six Simple Steps to Help you Hear More From God
I started a new spiritual routine in January of 2023, and it was literally life-changing. It activated the Holy Spirit on a whole new level in my life, increased my love for the Bible, and taught me so much about myself and about God.
Throughout my life, my time in Scripture has pretty much always been directed by a prompt or “set of questions,” if you will. Sometimes a devotional book with a reading and a reflection question at the end, or sometimes a full-on Bible study lesson with verses to read and questions to answer every day of the week. Of course, these fantastic and impactful resources typically direct my thinking in a certain way–toward a specific idea. Which is great! But I started thinking… When do I ever sit down with only the Bible, the Holy Spirit and me? No questions to answer, no commentary to read, no outside resources. JUST the Bible, the Holy Spirit and me? My answer was never.
So I decided to devote one hour each week to opening up Scripture and letting God speak directly to me through His sacred, ancient and still relevant Word. Sometimes I took weeks to work through books of the Bible, other times I used my concordance to do word or topical studies. I asked the Holy Spirit in advance for direction, and I always had a strong impression of how to spend my hour. And you wouldn’t believe the insights I gained, the spiritual treasures that were uncovered, and the basic knowledge growth that I experienced. It was incredible! So incredible that it’s a habit I will continue with excitement and anticipation of what more God has to teach me.
Are you looking to draw nearer to God in 2024? Here is one method, some basic steps to help you establish a special weekly hour with your Bible and the Holy Spirit:
- Find a place. Where can you be without distractions for one hour? For me, it’s at a coffee shop–with my phone on silent.
- Find a time. When do you have one free hour to dedicate to learning and hearing from God through His Word? Maybe you’ll be able to establish a specific day/time that works every single week! I always do my “solo Scripture hour” on the weekend, but the exact day/time is different each weekend. I plan ahead and intentionally schedule it.
- Pray for direction. Ask the Holy Spirit to impress upon your heart and mind what to read. Give it a few days, and be attentive to hear Him speak. He will answer! If you struggle to discern God’s voice at the start, try the gospel of John or Matthew–both are great places to begin.
- Once you’re in your place and time, set a timer for 50 minutes, turn to a blank page in your notebook, and just start reading the Word, soaking it in, and jotting down any thoughts, questions or applications that come to mind. It doesn’t matter what you write, it doesn’t matter how much or how little you write, and it doesn’t matter how many or how few verses you end up reading. Let the Spirit guide you, and just flow how you flow! It may be different each time you sit down.
- After your 50-minute timer goes off, take a little breather… Get up and walk around for a minute, or just pause and look out the window for a spell.
- Finally, set a 10-minute timer, and write these words in your notebook: “What do you want me to learn? know? or do?” Look back over the Scripture you read, look back over the notes you wrote, and just close your eyes and listen for God’s voice. Write down what you sense Him saying. When you ask God a question, you can expect Him to answer you! You’ll be surprised at how faithful He will be to meet you in that place.
Bible study devotionals and curriculum are great and necessary. I try to be actively involved in a pre-written study/guide at all times! But prioritizing time for just you, the Holy Spirit and God’s Word is worth it. You don’t need any other “help” to hear from God. The Holy Spirit is all the help you need. Be faithful and expectant, and you will be rewarded!
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! -Psalm 119:103