Many times when we pray, we do all the talking. We cry out to God with our wants, our needs, our desires. You confess your sins to Him and ask for forgiveness, and He forgives you. You ask for guidance and direction because you are making a decision and don’t know which way to go.
Earlier this year I was praying about something and was pouring my heart out to God. I was having to make a major decision in my life which would also affect the lives of others. I wanted to make sure that I was in His will and not seeking my own will. I thought I had the answer, but in reality I was just running it by God to get His opinion. I wanted to know if the decision I was about to make which was the right one, and looking back, I really was trying to convince God what I wanted to do.
After praying for awhile, I finally stopped talking, waiting for God’s answer and “revelation.” The Holy Spirit gently whispered to me, “Are you finished?” I said, yes, I am finished. He gently whispered to me, “You are not listening to me.” His words pierced right through me. It broke my heart. How could I not be listening to the Creator of the Universe, the One who has all the answers, the One who loves me and is for me and wants the very best for me.
The Lord speaks to us every day. Do we listen to Him? Do you know His voice? The Lord has the answers and when I listen, I know His voice. When He speaks, I must hear and be obedient.
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” - John 14:26
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” - John 14:27
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6, 7