When I first began my journey of faith, I remember wondering if God was truly speaking to me. I’d heard others share stories of divine whispers, guiding them through tough decisions or offering comfort in times of need. As a new believer, it was difficult not to question whether I was somehow missing out on a relationship that felt so tangible to others.
Years have passed since those early days, and now, as a mother of two beautiful daughters, I find myself teaching them what I’ve learned about hearing God’s voice. It’s a precious gift and one that I believe everyone can experience with an open heart and a bit of guidance. Today, I’d like to share a few practical steps and personal insights for those just starting out.
1. Begin with a Willing Heart and a Quiet Mind
The very first step is to approach God with a willing heart. He speaks to those who seek Him earnestly, with a spirit ready to listen. This might sound simple, but as a single mother, I know how challenging it can be to quiet your mind when the worries of life start piling up. There were days when I would sit in my living room, Bible in hand, yet my thoughts would be scattered—concerned with bills, work, or the girls’ future.
What I found helpful was creating a specific space and time for my quiet moments with God. Early mornings worked best for me. Before the sun rose, I’d sit in silence, breathe deeply, and gently lay my burdens before Him. Try to establish your own rhythm—a time when you are least distracted and can just be present. As you quiet your mind, you’ll find that you’re better able to recognize the subtle promptings of His Spirit.
2. Start by Reading Scripture Aloud
When I first started seeking God’s voice, I struggled to distinguish between my thoughts and His. The breakthrough came when I began reading the Bible out loud. The spoken Word of God has a power all its own. It’s almost as if hearing the verses in my own voice grounded me in truth, tuning my heart to His frequency.
If you’re just beginning, start with the Psalms or the Gospels. Read a few verses aloud and then pause. Ask God to reveal Himself through what you’ve just read. The more you read and reflect, the clearer His voice becomes. I remember reading Psalm 23 and feeling an overwhelming sense of peace—a sensation that wasn’t just in my mind but in my heart, as if God was saying, “I am your Shepherd, guiding you through every valley.”
3. Pray and Then Listen—Really Listen
I used to think prayer was all about talking to God. I would pour out my worries, my hopes, and my dreams, then finish with an “Amen” and rush off to the next task. It wasn’t until a friend of mine, another single mom from church, suggested that I add a pause after prayer—time just to listen—that things changed.
I began to set aside a few extra minutes after each prayer. At first, it felt awkward. I’d sit there, almost expecting an audible voice to fill the room. But God’s voice isn’t always a sound; sometimes it’s a knowing, a gentle nudge, or an impression on your spirit. In those still moments, I would sense God reminding me to trust, to love, and to let go of my anxieties.
For beginners, I recommend keeping a journal nearby. Write down any thoughts, words, or scriptures that come to mind after you pray. Over time, you’ll notice patterns that point you to God’s heart for you.
4. Discernment: Test the Spirit
One of the challenges I faced, and one you might too, is discerning whether the voice you hear is truly from God. There have been moments when I felt a strong urge to act or speak but hesitated because I wasn’t sure if it was from the Lord.
Here’s what I’ve learned: God’s voice always aligns with Scripture and His nature. If a thought brings fear, condemnation, or leads you away from His Word, it’s not from Him. I remember one instance when I felt a sudden worry about my daughters’ future. I nearly let that fear take over until I turned to 2 Timothy 1:7, which says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” In that moment, I knew God was reminding me to trust in His plans for their lives.
5. Cultivate a Heart of Worship
Worship is one of the purest ways to draw near to God. There’s something about lifting your heart in praise, especially when circumstances are tough, that opens your spiritual ears. Some of my sweetest moments with God came not from praying or reading, but from simply singing to Him.
If you’re unsure where to start, choose a few worship songs that speak to your soul. Play them softly in the background during your quiet time, and let the lyrics guide your thoughts. As you worship, your heart becomes more attuned to His presence, making it easier to hear His whispers.
6. Seek Wise Counsel and Confirmation
As beginners, it’s easy to second-guess ourselves, wondering if we’ve truly heard from God. When I began sensing His voice, I’d share my experiences with trusted friends from church or my pastor. Their encouragement and wisdom often confirmed what God was speaking to me.
If you have a mentor or a spiritually mature friend, don’t hesitate to ask for their perspective. God can use others to affirm what He’s speaking to you. I recall sharing a word I received in prayer with a dear friend, and she responded, “That’s exactly what I’ve been hearing, too!” Moments like these strengthen your faith and affirm that God is indeed speaking.
7. Be Patient and Persistent
Hearing God’s voice is a journey. There were times when I’d sit for weeks without sensing a word. In those dry seasons, I’d wonder if I was doing something wrong. But I learned that God’s silence doesn’t mean absence. Sometimes, He’s teaching us to seek Him more deeply or to trust without immediate answers.
Be patient and don’t give up. Keep seeking, praying, and listening. Like tuning a radio, it takes time to find the right frequency. But when you do, the reward is a relationship with your Creator that is vibrant, real, and life-changing.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey
Learning to hear God’s voice is one of the greatest adventures you’ll ever embark on. As a mother, I cherish the moments when my daughters come to me, seeking advice or simply wanting to be close. Our Heavenly Father desires the same with us. He’s not hiding, but drawing us closer.
I encourage you, dear friend, to embrace this journey. Take small steps, be patient with yourself, and know that God’s voice is never far. Whether through a scripture, a quiet impression, or a word spoken by a friend, He’s speaking—inviting you to draw near and listen.
If you’ve had an experience of hearing God’s voice or if this article has helped you in any way, I’d love to hear about it! Share your thoughts or stories in the comments below. And remember, type “I’m listening, Lord” if you’re ready to hear from Him today!