Listening Prayer- An Overview | Grow in God Devotionals
Sometimes external circumstances weigh us down, creating cycles of unhealthy responses. Some of these patterns are rooted in trauma, some in strongholds, some in prayerlessness. Often, instead of sitting still with God, we choose distraction—we scroll our phones, stay busy, avoid silence, numb emotions, or delay facing what is happening within us.
Yet Scripture reminds us of our deepest desire:
Psalm 27:4 (NET)
I have asked the Lord for one thing – this is what I desire! I want to live in the Lord’s house all the days of my life, so I can gaze at the splendor of the Lord and contemplate in his temple.
Our first desire is to seek God in all our affairs and to know what He truly wants for our lives.
Getting to know God involves learning to hear Him without distractions.
John 10:27 (NET)
My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
We know that He does truly speak to us.
Listening prayer is also a practice of bringing every stronghold into obedience to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NET)
and every arrogant obstacle that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obey Christ.
This requires observing our thoughts, emotions, and circumstances as they come and go—processing how we feel, identifying our triggers, and recognizing the people, events, situations, or even timings that may have activated them.
Steps to Practice Listening Prayer
1. Sit Still
As much as possible, remove distractions.
Take your phone away from you
Put it in a drawer or another room
Remove competing objects or tasks
Stillness creates space to become attentive to God.
2. Keep a Journal
Write down every thought that comes to mind:
Questions
Doubts
Fears
Confusion
Anger
Resentment
Do not be ashamed to process honestly. Writing helps bring hidden thoughts into the light and allows you to observe what is happening internally.
3. Ask God in Prayer
Your prayer does not need to be long or polished. It can be simple and honest, for example:
“Lord, I don’t know why I am feeling this way or why I feel You’re distant today.
Please allow me to hear from You and make it very clear to me—through Your Word or by sending confirmation in other ways.
Help me with my unbelief.
Let me know it is truly You speaking and not the enemy.
Weed out any counterfeit voices.”
Invite God to speak clearly and truthfully.
4. Wait Without Rushing
There is no need to rush for an answer.
You may open your Bible immediately after praying
Or you may wait a few hours
Practice waiting before the Lord, as Scripture teaches:
Habakkuk 2:1 (NET)
I will stand at my watch post; I will remain stationed on the city wall. I will keep watching, so I can see what he says to me and can know how I should answer when he counters my argument.
Waiting is an act of trust and attentiveness.
Helpful Tips for Listening Prayer
Choose a space where you feel at ease.
Feel free to go somewhere else if it helps you feel more comfortable, relaxed, and free from distractions. This could be a nearby park, a quiet coffee shop, or an early-morning time before the day becomes busy.Mute your phone completely.
Even silent notifications can pull your attention away. Create uninterrupted space for God.Pay attention to repetition.
If certain words, phrases, or thoughts keep appearing in your journaling, circle or underline them. Repetition is often meaningful.Notice recurring Scriptures or themes.
If the same feeling or thought keeps resurfacing, observe whether God is also impressing specific Scriptures on your heart. Sometimes He leads you to different passages but continues emphasizing the same word or phrase. Take note of this—it may be what He is highlighting.
Simple Listening Prayer Template
Use this as a gentle, repeatable guide.
1. Prepare
Find a quiet space, mute your phone, and sit comfortably.
2. Invite God
“Lord, I am here to listen.”
3. Journal honestly
Write every thought, emotion, or question without filtering.
4. Ask and wait
“Lord, what do You want me to know right now?”
Wait quietly or open Scripture slowly.
5. Discern and respond
Notice repeated words, themes, or Scriptures.
Test everything against God’s Word and character.
End with gratitude and willingness to obey.
Listening Prayer Worksheet
Purpose
This worksheet is designed to help you practice listening prayer—creating space to sit with God, observe your inner world, and attentively hear His voice through stillness and Scripture.
1. Prepare Your Space
Where am I praying today? (room, park, coffee shop, early morning, etc.)
Have I muted my phone and removed distractions? ☐ Yes ☐ No
Take a few slow breaths. Invite your body and mind to become still.
2. Invite God
Write or pray simply:
“Lord, I am here to listen. Speak, for Your servant is listening.”
You may also write your own invitation below:
3. Observe & Journal (No Filtering)
Write down every thought, feeling, or question that comes to mind. Do not judge or edit.
Thoughts:
Emotions (fear, anger, sadness, confusion, peace, etc.):
Triggers, memories, or resistance you notice:
4. Ask God
Write a simple prayer or question for God:
“Lord, what do You want me to know right now?”
My question to God:
5. Wait & Listen
Sit quietly or open your Bible slowly. Note anything that stands out.
Scriptures that stood out:
Words or phrases that repeat (circle or underline):
Thoughts or impressions that bring peace, clarity, or conviction:
6. Discern
Reflect prayerfully:
Does this align with Scripture and God’s character? ☐ Yes ☐ Unsure
Does it lead toward truth, repentance, peace, or obedience?
Notes:
7. Respond
How is God inviting me to respond today?
Action step, prayer, or obedience:
Closing prayer of gratitude:
“My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27, NET)
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