listen for god's voice
"Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening." —1 Samuel 3:9
Our modern world is filled with noise. Everyone seems to have an opinion and demands to be heard through talk radio, online comments, constant chatter on TV, chat rooms, conversations, etc. Anyone who has sat in a hospital waiting room listening to the non-stop droning of the TV understands the incessant noise of the modern world.
The young Samuel learned to listen for the voice of the Lord. He "stilled and quieted [his] soul" (Ps 131:2) and listened only for God. Samuel heard God speak and became so effective in speaking God's Word that the entire nation of Israel came to the Lord within twenty years (1 Sm 3:20).
How can we hear the voice of God? Listening prayer is important. We must set a daily time for listening prayer during which we still and quiet our soul, turn off all worldly noise, go into a quiet space, and say "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." It is equally important is to hear what God has already revealed through the centuries. This involves reading the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. God has been speaking constantly, and we are blessed to have much of it written down.
"Anyone committed to the truth hears God's voice" (Jn 18:37). Jesus is the Truth (Jn 14:6). The Spirit is the Truth (Jn 16:13). Seek what God has revealed and hear His voice. "Whoever is of God hears every word God speaks" (Jn 8:47).
Prayer: Father, may I yearn to hear Your Word far more than I yearn to hear the person I love most tell me they love me.
Promise: "Those whom He cured, who were variously afflicted, were many, and so were the demons He expelled." —Mk 1:34
Praise: Seeking God's will on a retreat, Mia received a Scripture verse from God. Her spiritual director asked her to seek an external confirmation. Hours later, in evening prayer with the monks, that very verse was read aloud as part of the Liturgy of the Hours. Praise You, Lord, for speaking to Your people.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 2, 2019
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