Lord Teach us How to Pray (Part 3) - Pastor Johnny Marten
Today, we took time to recognize and appreciate those who serve behind the scenes, especially our audio and video teams, whose faithful work allows us to hear and see clearly, both in person and online. This led into a reflection on the importance of hearing—not just with our physical ears, but with our spiritual ones. In a world filled with noise, distractions, and many competing voices, it is easy to miss the gentle, loving voice of God. We often focus on talking to God in prayer, but it is just as vital to learn how to listen for His voice.
Listening for God requires discernment. Not every voice that claims to speak for God is truly from Him. Scripture warns us to “test the spirits,” because there are many false voices—even those that use the name of Jesus or quote Scripture for selfish gain or out of deception. The true voice of God will always align with His Word and will always point us to Jesus as Lord. We must be careful not to accept every spiritual-sounding message at face value, but to weigh it against the truth of Scripture.
God speaks to us in many ways: primarily through His written Word, but also through the Holy Spirit, through dreams, circumstances, songs, and even a gentle whisper. I shared personal experiences where God spoke to me—once through a dream that marked a turning point in my life, and another time through a prompting in prayer that led to a meaningful encounter. These moments remind us that God is active and personal, but we must be attentive and open to His leading.
The story of Elijah on the mountain is a powerful reminder that God’s voice is often not in the dramatic or the loud, but in the quiet, gentle whisper. In the midst of chaos, storms, and even spiritual activity, we must learn to quiet our hearts and listen for God’s gentle guidance. The closer we draw to God, the more clearly we will recognize His voice and distinguish it from all others.
Faith and listening go hand in hand. We must believe that God desires to speak to us and that He hears every prayer. Sometimes His answers come immediately, sometimes after a long wait, and sometimes in ways we do not expect. Our part is to keep praying, keep listening, and trust that God is at work, even when we cannot see it yet.