“Talk less, pray more, do less, and listen for the Lord’s gentle voice.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – July 24, 2024
“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain; it was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake, there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his scarf and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, “Why are you here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:11-13, TLB
I am beyond blessed to have Tom Ashbrook as my Spiritual Director. He lovingly reminds me, “The Lord is always speaking. Are you truly listening?” In the busyness of our daily lives, the voice of God often seems distant, drowned out by the noise of our thoughts and life’s demands. Yet, we can truly hear Him in the quiet spaces of our hearts. Henri Nouwen once said, “The real ‘work’ of prayer is to become silent and listen to the voice that says good things about me.” In our quest to hear God, we must also cultivate an attitude of attentiveness. Nouwen emphasizes the importance of being fully present and listening with our ears and our whole being. This means being attentive to the people around us, the beauty of creation, and the movements of our hearts. God often speaks through these divine channels, using them to draw us closer to Him.
Hearing God is an art cultivated in stillness. Elijah’s encounter with God on Mount Horeb beautifully illustrates this truth. In 1 Kings 19:11-13, Elijah did not find God in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in the gentle whisper. This whisper, this “still small voice,” invites us into intimacy with our Creator. It calls us to pause, to be still, and to listen with the ears of our hearts.
How often do we, like Elijah, seek God in the dramatic and extraordinary while missing His gentle presence in the ordinary moments of our lives? Scripture and life experience teach us that God speaks clearly in the simplicity of our everyday experiences. In the quiet moments of reflection, the peaceful walks in nature, and the silent prayers of our hearts, we tune into His voice. To hear the Lord, we must create space for silence in our lives. This is not easy in a world that values productivity and noise, yet it is essential for our spiritual well-being. Jesus Himself modeled this rhythm of retreat and engagement. He often withdrew to solitary places to pray, listen to the Father, and be renewed in His presence. Silence is the language of God, and a humble heart grows to become fluent in silence by immersion into the language of silence.
Scripture is a necessary conduit for hearing Christ’s voice. As you immerse yourself in His Word, you attune your heart to His truth and guidance. The psalmist declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Through Scripture, God speaks to you, offering wisdom, comfort, and direction. In silence, the sacred text, a quiet life, and a gentle whisper are always present, inviting you into deeper communion with the Father, Son, and Spirit. Embrace the discipline of stillness, the gift of attentiveness, and the nourishment of His Word. In doing so, you will hear God’s gentle whisper, reminding you of His unfailing love and guiding you on your journey of faith. Talk less, pray more, do less, and listen for the Lord’s gentle voice.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I come before You with a humble heart, seeking to hear Your voice. Open my ears to Your whispers, my mind to Your wisdom, and my spirit to Your guidance. Help me discern Your will and follow Your path. Open my heart to be loved and to love as I listen. Amen.
Application
What is the Lord saying through another that I may not be hearing?
Related Reading
Jeremiah 33:3; Psalm 85:8, 119:105; Mark 4:24; Hebrews 4:12
Worship Resource
Elevation Worship feat. Dante Bowe: Voice of God
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