Listening prayer slows us down. It is a shift from much of the praying we often do – talking and asking. Getting truly quiet and open enough to listen can be a challenge, but these quiet and still moments with God soften our hearts. As we just sit in His presence, we begin to notice and hear things we otherwise would miss. 

Quiet | Take a few deep breaths, clear your mind of distraction. This will be hard at first, but every time your mind wanders, gently refocus. It will get easier the more you practice. 

Listen | Ask Him to be with you. Tell Him that you intend to listen for anything He may want to say. Then do just that, sit quietly and listen. Start with just a couple of minutes and work your way up to longer periods of time as you get better at just being with Him. 

Reflect | Take note of anything you feel that God impressed upon you during your listening. Maybe it was a Scripture or a song or a challenge to act. Are the things you hear Him saying consistent with His word?  

This practice can also be done in a group setting or in conjunction with reading a passage from the Bible. Sit in the quiet and listen individually, then you can read and reflect together.