Lord, are you talking to me?

          The older woman fascinated me. When she mentioned God speaking to her or showing her something, I wanted to know more. I was a young believer—new to the faith. 

          She spoke to a Sunday school class I attended and asked if anyone had any questions. Someone would probably laugh or make fun of me, but I longed for God to speak to me. Trembling, I raised my hand.

          “How do you know God is speaking to you?” I noticed others around me nodding.

          She took a little time and a deep breath before she answered. “The best thing I can tell you is that it takes practice. Different people hear God different ways.”

          Her answer seemed vague; I thought she didn’t understand. I tried again, “When I pray, sometimes a question or a statement will pop into my mind. How do I know if it’s the Lord or just something I made up or imagined?”

          “What happens if you trust the words you hear?”

          “Well nothing, because I don’t trust those words. I’m not certain it’s God.”

          She smiled and asked, “Are the words good or bad?”

          “Sometimes they are a bit strange, but they’ve always been good,” I said.

“It takes practice. You need to trust those words and see how the Lord works them out in your life. Jesus said that his sheep hear his voice, and they follow him. If the words are good, follow. He wants you to know him, and he’ll help you learn.”

“I have doubts. Why would he want to talk to me?”

She chuckled. “He’s talking to you now and drawing you closer to him. Faith grows over time in a relationship. Practice listening; he loves you and won’t let you down.”

More than fifty years later, I continue to practice. Here’s some tips about listening and Jesus speaking.

*      You pray and ask about what troubles you, then you listen or watch and see what happens. A question or a statement may pop into your mind.

*      You read your Bible, because most times he will remind and bring you a verse or story that applies to your situation. My last several pastors recommended Lectio Divina (divine reading). Ask God to guide and teach as you read a scripture passage. Read it more than once—out loud is best. Meditate by asking questions and make notes about what you don’t understand. Listen quietly for what Jesus asks or says to you. Don’t interpret the Bible, let the Bible interpret you. (2 Peter 1:20-21). There have been times when I’ve meditated on a single verse for weeks. It follows you about as you continue life.

*      He uses other people or circumstances in your life to tell you things you need to hear or pray about: pastors, family, friends, sometimes even  people who irritate you.

*      Jesus asks you questions as he teaches; just like he asked his followers questions. You may find yourself doing research.

*      He never tells you to harm others or yourself. If you feel prompted to hurt someone, pray, ask someone you trust for help, and go to the doctor.

*      I use visualization techniques sometimes. For instance, I like to give Jesus a hug. I request to give him a hug as I pray and imagine him standing before me. When I reach out to him, he enfolds me in his arms.

*      I know Jesus speaks when he gives me answers more wise, brilliant, and loving than I’m capable of on my own. Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

(John 10:27 NIV)

Susan Boltz