Listening for God’s response in prayer is vital for fostering a deep, vibrant, and effective prayer life. It ensures that prayer remains a genuine dialogue with God, characterized by mutual communication that enriches our spiritual journey, guides our decisions, and conforms us more into the likeness of Christ.
[00:00:00] Let us pray, bread together on our knees
[00:00:07] Let us pray, bread together on our knees
[00:00:14] When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun
[00:00:21] Oh Lord, never see all the knees
[00:00:27] Welcome to the Bible Speaks with Elgin Carelock
[00:00:30] The Bible Speaks is a weekly ministry of Harvest International
[00:00:33] Our prayer is that the Bible Speaks will encourage you in your study of God's Word
[00:00:38] You will be able to contact Elgin at the address given at the end of this broadcast
[00:00:44] And now, here's Elgin
[00:00:46] Brothers and sisters, I welcome you in the name of Yeshua HaMashiach
[00:00:52] To another episode of Words of Inspiration
[00:00:56] Today is our final day in our discussion on the ingredients of effective prayer
[00:01:02] And we will end this conversation with what I feel one of the most important aspects is in our prayer
[00:01:10] Listening
[00:01:11] Our inspirational scripture is Matthew 11, verse 15
[00:01:18] He that hath ears to hear, let him hear
[00:01:23] The phrase, he who hath ears to hear, let him hear
[00:01:27] Used frequently by Jesus in the gospels, including in Matthew
[00:01:32] Serves as a compelling exhortation to pay close attention and truly understand the deeper meaning of his words
[00:01:41] This statement appears in various contexts such as the parable of the sower in Matthew 13
[00:01:48] Where it underscores the importance of not just hearing
[00:01:51] But truly comprehending and applying Jesus' teachings
[00:01:56] That happens with truly listening
[00:01:59] Prayer is fundamentally about building and maintaining a relationship with God
[00:02:04] Just as in any relationship, communication should be two-way
[00:02:09] It involves both speaking and listening
[00:02:13] By listening for God's response, we show reverence for his wisdom and acknowledge his sovereignty
[00:02:20] This attentive posture not only deepens our relationship with him
[00:02:25] But also shows our respect for his authority as we open ourselves to his guidance and correction
[00:02:32] Listening to God cultivates spiritual growth and maturity
[00:02:36] As we discern and respond to his voice, we learn more about his character, his laws, and his desires for our lives
[00:02:45] This process often involves a transformation of our own desires to align more closely with God's will
[00:02:53] Through this interaction, we become more attuned to the nuances of his guidance
[00:03:00] Which often comes through Scripture, the inner witness of the Holy Spirit
[00:03:05] The wise counsel of fellow believers, or the circumstances of our lives
[00:03:12] Effective prayer is not just about making requests or performing religious duties
[00:03:18] It's about seeking God's will and submitting to it
[00:03:22] Listening for God's response helps us to discern his will and invites us to respond in obedience
[00:03:30] This aspect of prayer is critical because it shifts the focus from what we want to what God wants for us
[00:03:38] Leading to a life of obedience and submission that is pleasing to him
[00:03:44] In moments of uncertainty or decision making, listening for God's response in prayer is essential for receiving guidance and direction
[00:03:54] The psalmist expressed this sentiment in Psalm 25 verse 5
[00:04:00] Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all the day long
[00:04:09] By actively listening, we allow God to impart his wisdom and direction, which are crucial for navigating the complexities of life
[00:04:19] Regularly listening for God's voice in prayer sharpens our spiritual discernment, enabling us to distinguish between his voice and others
[00:04:31] Including our own thoughts and emotions or even external influences
[00:04:36] This discernment is crucial for living a life that consistently reflects God's values and purposes
[00:04:44] Especially in a world full of conflicting voices and information
[00:04:49] Listening and receiving confirmation or assurance from God through prayer can bring immense peace to the believer's heart
[00:04:59] This peace often transcends human understanding and can provide comfort and reassurance in the face of trials and hardships
[00:05:08] As promised in Philippians 4 verse 7
[00:05:13] And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus
[00:05:22] Brothers and sisters, I pray that you have a wonderful weekend
[00:05:26] And I look forward to having a discussion with you again on this coming Sunday
[00:05:31] Till then, God bless
[00:05:38] We are away from God
[00:06:08] 9-0 Ocala, Florida 344-78