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Becoming Open to God's Voice and Presence

3/12/2015

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In my last blog, I wrote about the necessity of moving from intentions to actual practices that keep us listening to God's voice. Let me share today about one of my practices. It is not the only way, but perhaps it will illustrate a practice of listening to God that will help you.
Dr. John Piippo came and taught us at our church a simple form of training ourselves to listen to God. It is a form of prayer that focuses on listening. He had us begin by getting alone with God for an hour to meditate on Psalm 23. Then he instructed us to write down what ever we thought we were hearing from God. He cautioned us not to write down "exegesis" (analysis of the scripture). Instead we were to let God's word analyze us and speak to us. Then we got together in small groups and shared what God was saying to us. It was amazing!
Per his instructions, I spend 30 to 60 minutes each morning reading scripture and listening for what God is saying to me. I spend time also worshipping and praying. I keep a journal and write down what God is saying to me either through the Scriptures or guidance he gives me as I ask. John encourages us to build the habit of doing this at least 5 days a week.
This is one way I am learning to keep focused on what the Spirit is saying. So that it is not just an exercise in individualism, I meet with a couple other men once a week to share what we are hearing from God. This practice has been a blessing and keeps me tuned into the Spirit and the Word.
Perhaps you would like to put into practice something like this. I would love to hear how it is transforming you to be a listener to the voice of God.
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    These blogs posts were written by our recently retired pastor Ed Owens. Ed now serves as an interim consultant for American Baptist Churches of Michigan and National Chair of Holy Spirit Renewal Ministries.

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