By Emeritus Prof. Mercy Olumide

“I will listen to what God the LORD will say…” (Ps 85:8) “Speak, for Your servant hears” (1 Sam 3:10)

Another element that should be present in our prayer time is listening to God. Many believers fill every moment of their devotions is by talking and never wait to hear what God might want to say to them. The one true God described in the Holy Bible speaks. The main way God speaks to us is through Scriptures. Jesus said: “My sheep hear My voice” (Jn 10:27).
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit say…” (Rev 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22)

Importance of listening to God
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat” (Rev 2:17)

“hear what the Spirit says.” We must heed the warnings of the Holy Spirit today. He continues to speak the same words Christ spoke to the seven churches of Asia, commanding us to overcome sin in the world and not to tolerate immorality.

If we fail to overcome in this important area, we lose God’s favour and presence, the Spirit’s power and in the end become enemies of the kingdom of God. If, on the other hand, we overcome, we receive the hidden manna of spiritual life and a “white stone,” signifying the triumph of our faith over all that soughtto destroy our devotion to Christ.

Conditions for effective listening to God. Prayer as we have defined is conversation with God, particularly His covenant people. Therefore, if you are conversing with God as your Father and Friend you must be able to listen and hear Him when He responds to your petitions. Furthermore, you must be able to comprehend how he communicates with His covenant people and recognise His voice.

Jesus Himself has said: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (Jn 10:27). See also Jn 10:3,4. Therefore, the beginning of your conversation with God is (1) to ensure that you are a member of His covenant people and (2) you know His methods of communication.

How do you become a member of His covenant people—a Christian? “Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His” (Rom 8:9) Who is the Holy Spirit? How do you receive the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ and is imparted to us through the breath of Jesus Christ (John 20:22). If you have sincerely trusted Christ for your salvation and acknowledged him as Lord, then the Holy Spirit has come into your life, and you are a Christian.

“He breathed on them, and said to them: “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (Jn 20:22)

•Email: [email protected], Facebook: Yetunde Mercy Olumide