“Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” (Ecclesiastes 5:2)

Listening is a skill that enhances relationships. Jesus listened to His Father. We need to listen carefully to Him too.

The Holy Spirit speaks to us when we listen. We must be very sure, however, that we do not mistake the voice of a different spirit for His voice. How can we tell? The Holy Spirit always points to Jesus and He never contradicts God‘s Word.

We can pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us and keep other voices from confusing God’s message to us. We can ask God to show us specific ways we can glorify Him with our lives.

We know God wants us to obey His Word, so let’s pray that He will speak to us through it. Bible reading and prayer go arm in arm. We need to let prayer become a two-way conversation, rather than a soliloquy. After all, if God is willing to direct us, we need to be willing to quietly listen and learn.

Take your Bible into your “prayer closet” with paper and a pencil. As God speaks to you, record what He teaches you and what He wants you to do.