Hearing God's Voice Through Prayer and Fasting
Summary
### Summary
This week, as we embark on a journey of prayer and fasting, it's essential to focus on hearing the voice of God. Hearing God's voice isn't about an audible sound but often comes as thoughts or promptings. Prayer and fasting help us deny our physical needs to focus on our spiritual connection with God. Just as technology like Siri can provide us with information, it cannot fulfill our deeper needs. Effective communication is crucial in all relationships, including our relationship with God. Many people struggle with knowing if their prayers are effective or if they are truly hearing from God.
Jesus, in John 10, uses the metaphor of a shepherd and his sheep to illustrate the intimate relationship between God and His people. The sheep recognize the shepherd's voice and follow him, just as we are designed to hear and follow God's voice. This relationship is not just about knowledge but about active communication. Jesus contrasts the shepherd, who protects and guides the sheep, with thieves who seek to harm them. The key to a fulfilling life is listening to the voice of the shepherd, not the thieves.
We are all created to hear God's voice, but we must learn to discern it amidst the noise of life. Just as a mother can recognize her child's cry in a noisy room, we need to tune in to God's voice. The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, often through our thoughts, but Jesus comes to give us life to the full. We control the volume of the voices we listen to. By turning down the negative voices and turning up God's voice, we can navigate life more effectively.
In moments of prayer and fasting, we should seek to hear God's individual message for us. God speaks to us in various ways, and it's essential to recognize His voice. As we grow in our relationship with God, we learn to discern His voice more clearly. This week, let's take a moment to push aside other voices and ask God to speak to us personally, guiding us into the future He has planned for us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Effective Communication with God: Just as effective communication is vital in human relationships, it is crucial in our relationship with God. Many struggle with knowing if their prayers are effective or if they are truly hearing from God. Learning to communicate effectively with God involves recognizing His voice amidst the noise of life. [54:25]
2. The Shepherd and the Sheep: Jesus uses the metaphor of a shepherd and his sheep to illustrate the intimate relationship between God and His people. The sheep recognize the shepherd's voice and follow him, just as we are designed to hear and follow God's voice. This relationship is not just about knowledge but about active communication. [57:16]
3. Controlling the Volume of Voices: We control the volume of the voices we listen to. By turning down the negative voices that steal our joy and turning up God's voice, we can navigate life more effectively. The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, often through our thoughts, but Jesus comes to give us life to the full. [01:12:49]
4. Individual Messages from God: In moments of prayer and fasting, we should seek to hear God's individual message for us. God speaks to us in various ways, and it's essential to recognize His voice. As we grow in our relationship with God, we learn to discern His voice more clearly. [01:06:17]
5. Designed to Hear God's Voice: We are all created to hear God's voice, but we must learn to discern it amidst the noise of life. Just as a mother can recognize her child's cry in a noisy room, we need to tune in to God's voice. This week, let's take a moment to push aside other voices and ask God to speak to us personally, guiding us into the future He has planned for us. [01:09:17]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:45] - Introduction to Prayer and Fasting
[1:30] - Hearing the Voice of God
[2:15] - Technology vs. True Connection
[3:30] - Effective Communication in Relationships
[4:45] - The Struggle of Hearing God
[5:30] - John 10: The Shepherd and the Sheep
[6:45] - The Importance of Communication with God
[7:30] - Recognizing God's Voice
[8:45] - Controlling the Volume of Voices
[10:00] - Individual Messages from God
[11:15] - Designed to Hear God's Voice
[12:30] - Practical Steps to Hear God
[13:45] - Prayer and Reflection
[15:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 10:1-10 (NIV)
> "Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them. Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to John 10:3, what does the shepherd do for his sheep, and how do the sheep respond?
2. In John 10:10, Jesus contrasts the thief and the shepherd. What are the intentions of the thief compared to those of the shepherd?
3. The sermon mentioned that effective communication is crucial in relationships, including our relationship with God. What are some struggles people face in knowing if their prayers are effective or if they are truly hearing from God? [54:25]
4. How does Jesus describe the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep in John 10:4-5, and what does this imply about our relationship with God?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean when Jesus says, "I am the gate for the sheep" in John 10:7? How does this metaphor help us understand our access to God?
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of recognizing God's voice amidst the noise of life. How can we practically "turn down" the negative voices and "turn up" God's voice in our daily lives? [01:12:49]
3. Jesus mentions that the sheep follow the shepherd because they know his voice (John 10:4). What are some ways we can become more familiar with God's voice?
4. The sermon discussed the idea that we are all created to hear God's voice. How does this concept affect our understanding of our spiritual journey and relationship with God? [01:01:53]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to discern if you were hearing from God. What steps can you take this week to improve your communication with God? [54:25]
2. Jesus describes the thief as one who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Identify some "thieves" in your life that may be stealing your joy or peace. How can you address these influences? [01:00:17]
3. The sermon mentioned that we control the volume of the voices we listen to. What practical steps can you take to reduce the negative voices in your life and amplify God's voice? [01:12:49]
4. During moments of prayer and fasting, we are encouraged to seek God's individual message for us. What specific practices can you incorporate into your prayer and fasting routine to better hear from God? [01:06:17]
5. The sermon used the metaphor of a mother recognizing her child's cry in a noisy room. How can you develop a similar sensitivity to God's voice amidst the distractions of daily life? [01:09:17]
6. Think about the relationships in your life. How can you apply the principles of effective communication discussed in the sermon to improve these relationships, especially your relationship with God? [52:48]
7. Jesus said that He came so that we may have life and have it to the full (John 10:10). What does "life to the full" look like for you, and how can you pursue this in your spiritual walk?
Devotional
Day 1: Effective Communication with God
Effective communication with God is essential for a thriving spiritual life. Just as in human relationships, where clear and open communication fosters intimacy and understanding, our relationship with God requires us to recognize His voice amidst the noise of life. Many people struggle with knowing if their prayers are effective or if they are truly hearing from God. This struggle often stems from the distractions and competing voices that fill our daily lives. By intentionally seeking to hear God's voice, we can develop a deeper connection with Him.
In moments of prayer and fasting, we can quiet the external and internal noise, allowing us to focus on God's voice. This practice helps us to discern His guidance and direction more clearly. As we grow in our relationship with God, we learn to recognize His voice, just as a sheep recognizes the voice of its shepherd. This week, let's commit to improving our communication with God by setting aside dedicated time for prayer and listening. [54:25]
John 10:27-28 (ESV): "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand."
Reflection: Think about the distractions in your life that make it difficult to hear God's voice. What steps can you take today to minimize these distractions and improve your communication with God?
Day 2: The Shepherd and the Sheep
Jesus uses the metaphor of a shepherd and his sheep to illustrate the intimate relationship between God and His people. The sheep recognize the shepherd's voice and follow him, just as we are designed to hear and follow God's voice. This relationship is not just about knowledge but about active communication. The shepherd knows his sheep individually and cares for their well-being, guiding them to safety and nourishment.
In contrast, Jesus warns of thieves who seek to harm the sheep. These thieves represent the negative influences and distractions that can lead us away from God's guidance. By focusing on the voice of the shepherd, we can navigate life with confidence and security, knowing that we are under His protection and care. This week, let's strive to deepen our relationship with God by actively listening for His voice and following His guidance. [57:16]
Ezekiel 34:11-12 (ESV): "For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt lost or uncertain. How did you seek God's guidance during that time, and how can you apply that experience to your current situation?
Day 3: Controlling the Volume of Voices
We control the volume of the voices we listen to. By turning down the negative voices that steal our joy and turning up God's voice, we can navigate life more effectively. The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, often through our thoughts, but Jesus comes to give us life to the full. Negative voices can come from various sources, including our own doubts, fears, and external influences that do not align with God's truth.
To live a fulfilling life, we must be intentional about the voices we allow to influence us. This involves actively rejecting negative thoughts and replacing them with God's promises and truths. By immersing ourselves in Scripture and spending time in prayer, we can amplify God's voice in our lives. This week, let's focus on identifying and silencing the negative voices that hinder our spiritual growth, and instead, tune in to the life-giving voice of Jesus. [01:12:49]
2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV): "We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."
Reflection: Identify a negative thought or voice that has been influencing you recently. How can you replace it with a truth from God's Word today?
Day 4: Individual Messages from God
In moments of prayer and fasting, we should seek to hear God's individual message for us. God speaks to us in various ways, and it's essential to recognize His voice. As we grow in our relationship with God, we learn to discern His voice more clearly. Each of us has a unique relationship with God, and He communicates with us in ways that are personal and specific to our needs and circumstances.
By setting aside dedicated time for prayer and fasting, we create space for God to speak to us. This intentional practice helps us to be more attuned to His guidance and direction. This week, let's make a conscious effort to listen for God's individual message for us, trusting that He has a specific plan and purpose for our lives. [01:06:17]
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
Reflection: During your prayer time today, ask God to reveal a specific message or direction for your life. How can you be more attentive to His voice in your daily routine?
Day 5: Designed to Hear God's Voice
We are all created to hear God's voice, but we must learn to discern it amidst the noise of life. Just as a mother can recognize her child's cry in a noisy room, we need to tune in to God's voice. This week, let's take a moment to push aside other voices and ask God to speak to us personally, guiding us into the future He has planned for us. God desires to communicate with us, and He has given us the ability to recognize His voice.
To develop this ability, we must be intentional about spending time in God's presence and immersing ourselves in His Word. By doing so, we become more familiar with His character and the ways He speaks to us. This week, let's commit to tuning out the noise and focusing on hearing God's voice, trusting that He will guide us and provide the direction we need. [01:09:17]
Jeremiah 33:3 (ESV): "Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known."
Reflection: Think about a decision or situation you are currently facing. How can you create space in your life to hear God's guidance and direction for this specific area?
Quotes
1. "It doesn't matter what age we are. It doesn't matter what stage in life we are at. It doesn't matter what part of the journey we are on. We're all looking to connect with something or someone that can give us what we need in life. Every one of us is looking for a connection that can help us and give us answers and give us what we need to do to move forward." [51:15] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Technology is an amazing tool, but it's a terrible master. And as technology moves forward, my concern is this. We may work out how to talk to Siri or Alexa, but we haven't worked out how to talk to another human being. We haven't worked out how to communicate effectively where we can hear. And be heard between two people." [52:48] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I believe if Jesus was here in 2024, he wouldn't use sheep and shepherds. When was the last time you saw a shepherd walk into church? Like gruff looking. When was the last time you saw one walking down Queen Street? You didn't. I think Jesus would say something like this. The kingdom of heaven is like a man or a woman driving on the motorway in horrific traffic. And as he drove, he saw a message that gave him peace. And he didn't lose his salvation at the cars." [58:47] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "There is a God who wants to shepherd. There is a God who wants to protect. There is a God who wants to guide. There is a God who loves and cares for his body and his children, which is us. But there is also a thief who wants to steal, kill, and destroy. And Jesus here is saying, the difference between who has the most influence, is whose voice I listen to. Not how much information I know, not how much I believe, but whose voice I listen to." [01:00:17] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Friend, look at me online, at our local up in Snells. When God looks at the room you are in, he doesn't see a sea of faces. He knows your name. He says, he calls his sheep by name, and then he leads them out. Out where? Out into the plan and the purpose that he has for you. And I don't know what your story is and what you're facing at the moment, but I do know this. There is a God who knows your name, and a God who knows the journey forward." [01:01:53] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Oftentimes we think that God's voice is outside in. We're looking for a voice out there. We're looking for something out there. We're looking for a message from someone or something. But can I tell you, when we hear God's voice, it's inside out. That God wants to draw alongside every one of us. And in the midst of all the messages we hear, there's something on the inside when we cultivate a relationship with God that we begin to recognise his voice in amidst all the other messaging that's coming in." [01:05:05] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Turn down the volume of the voices that steal your joy and kill your faith and destroy your life. But please turn down the volume of those voices and turn up the volume of the voice that you control. The voice of God that says you have a hope and you have a future and you're not done and it's not too late and it's not too dark, but I know your name and I know where you are and I want to lead you forward." [01:14:37] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "You were designed to hear the voice of God. And I would love for every one of us to take a moment say, God, would you speak to me? Would you tell me what you think about me? Jesus said this in John chapter four, seek the praises that come from God only. So many of us are seeking praises from people or things or accolades. But God wants to meet you and tell you what he thinks about you. That you are his child. He knows where you're at. He wants to lead you forward." [01:16:18] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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