One of the most challenging aspects of prayer is learning to listen and hear God well. We naturally have a tendency to question whether we are actually hearing God speak or generating thoughts ourselves. The more we pray and get comfortable with God’s Word and His presence, then the more readily we’ll be able to hear and distinguish His voice among all the voices clamoring for our attention.

QUESTIONS + EXERCISE

- What is the hardest part of learning to listen to God for you?

- In what way do you most often seem to encounter His voice?

- How is Scripture shaping and informing your prayer times?

- Who is that wise counsel for you that you know will give you prayerful advice?

Take some time and read slowly through John 3:16-17 and allow God to speak to you as you think about some of these questions along the way.

16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

- How does the word “so” nuance and define God’s love for the world?

- What would you be willing to give for the world so they might know you love them?

- When you think about God loving the world, do you think in broad terms or narrow terms? Who is included in the world?

- How would you define belief in God’s son here? Mental assent that Jesus is Lord or directional obedience and following?

- What does Jesus mean when He says He wasn’t sent to judge the world, but to save it?