The following is an excerpt from our daily devotional “Fellowship with the Father,” written by IFA contributing writer Remco Brommet.
Once we have come, and have become still, we are ready to listen. Remember Elijah, who sought God’s revelation, and found that His voice came in a gentle breeze, not in a storm, earthquake, or fire? In other words, God rarely speaks to us in some sort of spectacular audible experience.
Pray for your fellow intercessor.
Ok, testimony time. Quite a few years ago God yanked the rug out from under me in a kind of a personal shaking. A cross-country move, no job, no ministry, no permanent home. When I brought my (myriad) concerns about this to the Lord, I heard God say to me in the form of a persistently recurring thought: “Just come to me and listen.”
So I came. Armed with coffee, my Bible, and a journal. Every morning. And the simple question: “Father, what do you want to say to me today?” And God began to bring Scripture to mind, then speak to me through those verses, and I wrote, and wrote and wrote.
I realized that that is where it all starts: God revealing Himself to us — sometimes by direct insight but more often by His Word. It changed the way I approach prayer. Gone is the “prayer list” (what I want God to do for me or others). I now simply ask how He wants me to pray since I don’t know and need the Holy Spirit to tell me (Romans 8:26). In True Identity Ministries we call it “listening prayer.” And you know what’s interesting? I found out that a lot of what I was going to ask God for became unnecessary when I listened to Him first!
I also discovered that listening prayer is a powerful antidote for anxiety. When I bring my concerns to Him, as I am invited to do (Philippians 4:6), I first want to hear His voice so my anxiety doesn’t evolve into unbelief. And I find that God is eager to lay out His perspective, which is what brings me peace. The truth shall set you free (John 8:32).
There is also an amazing intention in God’s heart that makes me want to shut up and listen:
“The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He makes known to them His covenant” (Psalm 25:14).
Imagine: God wanting to be your friend and letting you get to know Him! I can think of no greater thing.
Back to Isaiah 55:3: “Incline your ear and come to me. Hear, that your soul may live.” Anxiety is death to our souls. God’s truth is life and brings joy and peace.”
Today’s Prayer Assignment
Come, show up in God’s presence, be still, and listen! Ask the Father, with your Bible open and journal at hand, the simple question: “What do you want to say to me today?”
Write down what you hear, lest you forget. Let Him be your friend. Let Him whisper your name, whisper His thoughts about you from the pages of Scripture, share His desire for what you should pray. It may take some time to calm your wandering thoughts and clear away the pressure of your to-do lists.
But when you do, when you have become still, and have allowed Him to speak, you will learn to hear His voice and give you insights that could not have possibly come from your limited brain alone.
Download this entire series in a PDF format.
What are you hearing from the Lord? Share your thoughts and prayers below.
Remco Brommet is a pastor, spiritual-growth teacher, and prayer leader with over 40 years of experience in Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the U.S. He was born and raised in the Netherlands and pastored his first church in Amsterdam. He moved to the U.S. in 1986. He and his wife, Jennifer, live north of Atlanta. When not writing books, he blogs at www.deeperlifeblog.com and assists his wife as a content developer and prayer coordinator for True Identity Ministries. Jennifer and Remco are passionate about bringing people into a deeper relationship with Christ. Photo Credit: Canva.