“I’ve never heard or felt anything when I pray. It’s like I’m talking to myself.”
The words tumbled out in a recent conversation that suddenly felt like a confession. All my friend wants is a real relationship with God, one he can feel that involves a two-way communication.
Hearing God’s Voice
He’s not alone. I’ve had a similar conversation with more people than I can count. Thankfully, there are practices that can connect us with God and God’s voice in our lives. One of the most basic is simply solitude and silence. Here’s how it works.
- Set aside some time alone each day. It’s easiest if you set the same time every day. That way you can build it into your schedule as a habit.
- Find a quiet place apart from interruptions. Anything with an “on” button needs to be turned off. If possible, go to the same place each day.
- Find a comfortable position. Feel free to stand, sit, or kneel. You may prefer a solitary walk in nature.
- As you begin, notice your breathing. Put yourself in tune with the rhythms of your body. Take some deep breaths. Relax.
- Release any worries or concerns. You may put your palms down and symbolically let them go.
- Receive. Listen quietly for the messages your body, your emotions, your spirit, and God have to say. You may put your palms up as a sign of receiving.
Start Small
For those of us who have never done this kind of thing, start small. Occasional joggers do not run marathons. Take five to ten minutes each day.
One businessman told me he started coming into his office ten minutes earlier. He made some coffee and sat there all by himself just to listen. He was amazed by what he began to hear when he created some space for God to speak.
Showing Up
You, too, will be amazed at all the messages that were trying to get through, but the line was always busy.
God can’t wait to get into a conversation with us. All we need to do is show up and listen.
Adapted from Come Back: Returning to the Life You Were Made For, Roger Ross. Abingdon Press, 2020.
ROGER’S UPCOMING SPEAKING SCHEDULE:
July 28, 2024 – The River at Eureka, 215 N Central Ave, Eureka, MO
- In Person & Live Stream at 8:30 and 10:00 am. www.the-river.church
August 11, 2024 – Stone Creek Church, 2502 S Race St, Urbana, IL
- In Person at 9:00 and 11:00 am
- Online at 10:30 am. www.sccwired.com
August 24-25, 2024 – First United Methodist Church, 1315 Court St, Pekin, IL
- Saturday 8/17 – In Person at 5:00 pm
- Sunday 8/18 – In Person at 8:00 and 10:00 am
- Sunday 8/18 – Live Stream at 10:00 am www.pekinfirst.org
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Roger Ross
A native of Cambridge, Illinois, Roger has served as a pastor in Texas, the British Channel Island of Guernsey, and Illinois. While in Illinois, he led teams that planted two new churches and served for 10 years as the lead pastor of one of the largest United Methodist Churches in the Midwest. It was his privilege to serve as the Director of Congregational Excellence in the Missouri Conference before coming into his current role with Spiritual Leadership, Inc (SLI).
Roger now comes alongside pastors, non-profit leaders and their leadership teams as an executive coach, specializing in leadership that inspires change. As a side gig, he loves teaching evangelism and church planting as an adjunct professor at SMU’s Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, Texas.
Other passions of his include SCUBA diving in warm blue water, Krispy Kremes, and board games with family and friends. He also has a weakness for golf.
Roger is the author of three books, Meet The Goodpeople: Wesley’s 7 Ways to Share Faith, Come Back: Returning to the Life You Were Made For, and Come Back Participant Guide, all through Abingdon Press.
Now for the best part. Roger is married to Leanne Klein Ross, and they live Bloomington, Illinois. God has blessed them with two adult children, a son-in-law, several tropical fish, and one adorable granddog.
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