Essential Elements in Communicating with God

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me." (John 10:27)



Certain elements are required to make your first contact with God. This is where you practice listening for God's voice. It's like tuning in a radio station inside of your mind, but you are tuning for God’s thoughts. Once you know what God's voice is like, it's easier to find it again. Here are the components that are helpful in establishing the connection.

                                                                          Silence

Find a quiet place. Little noises may be distracting, particularly at first. It helps most people to close their eyes. Choose a quiet place, get into a comfortable position and relax.
Willingness

                                 Be open to the possibility that there is a God. You don’t have to have a deep religious faith, but you have to be willing to let go and allow the communication to occur. You can’t make it happen. The words will come naturally without effort. Some people try too hard and get frustrated. 
                            The first communications from God will be short, usually one word or phrase. Start the conversation flowing by asking the right question: "God, what is the next step in my relationship with you?”
Ask the question as if God were present in the room with you. Don’t be afraid. God will not let you down. Now wait and listen. One word or phrase will silently come into your mind. This will be a tender thought process. Write down whatever God says. This communication will be accompanied with a feeling of peace.
                           The word or words directs you to take a long journey. If the word was believe, you take a journey so you can come to believe. If it was trust me you take a journey to learn how to trust God. If it was love, you take a journey to learn how to love.
                                

There are several ways to confirm that the communications come from God. This is called testing the spirits. Compare the communication with scripture. God will never disagree with himself, and he has spoken in the Bible. Check out the communication with other believers. Some have the gift of discernment. A prayer group or clergy person may be willing to help. If you need a direct test of the communication open the bible randomly and read where ever your eye hits on the page. Three things will be revealed at some point you as you read: 

1. A feeling of peace.
2. The hurdle or hurdles between you and God.
3. The action you can take today to begin your new spiritual journey.

                                             Discipline 

Discipline yourself to communicate with God every day. Things are not going to get right in your life until you spend quality time with God. Get a pad of paper and a pen and put it beside your bed. Every morning ask God, "God, what do you have to say to me today." Put the pen to the paper. Words will come, and when they do, write them down. It might be a word or two, a sentence or two, or a page or two. You will know when the communication is done. It is your responsibility to carry out what God tells you to do that day. This is the way to be happy, joyous and free.

                                      Discover the Purpose For Your Life

As you continue your communications with God a time will come when he will tell you the plan for your life. This plan will awaken the seed completely and you will be given great power to carry the plan out. This plan will seem so fantastic that you will know that you are incapable of doing it. Remember, if you use God's power, you can do anything. With God all things are possible. All you have to do is take one step at a time and God will make the plan come true.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)Find a Spiritual Friend
                            It is important to ask a spiritual friend to help you. If you don't do this, evil will fool you and you will get lost. This person must be someone who is further along on the spiritual journey. Pray for this person to come into your life. Find a place of worship where you feel accepted. Tell your spiritual friend everything that happens between you and God. Share the details of your journey.
                                          If you genuinely tried the exercises suggested here, you have made your first conscious contact with God. Don't stop! There are many more ways to hear God's voice. You can improve your relationship with God. You have a long journey ahead of you. This new adventure with God will give you happiness beyond your wildest dreams. I'm sure you can't wait to get going and learn more about how to hear God's voice. He wants to answer your questions and welcome you home.