One of the biggest questions people ask is “How do I hear the Holy Spirit?” They think there must be a magic formula involved—and while there isn’t a 1-2-3 magic formula, there are disciplines that you can implement to put yourself in the place of hearing the Holy Spirit more clearly. Remember, He’s always speaking; it’s just a matter of opening your spiritual ears to hear Him. Let’s look at three ways that you can improve your ability to hear the Holy Spirit.
#1 Hear the Holy Spirit when you Focus on the Word
One of the most effective ways to improve your ability to hear the Holy Spirit is by focusing on God’s Word. In John 15:7, Jesus said, “But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!”
How do you know when you have been focusing enough on the Word? The Holy Spirit talks to you through it! He directs your thoughts as you go about your day. He brings it to your mind when challenges arise, and helps you know what to do.
You focus on the Word by spending time in it. You can’t just read it casually every now and then. You have to be diligent to read your Bible and reflect on it every day and obey it. Treat it like the priceless treasure it is.
#2 Hear the Holy Spirit when you Listen to God’s People
The Holy Spirit isn’t only speaking to you; He’s speaking to all of God’s people. Sometimes those people have received a message from the Lord for the church, like when the Lord spoke through the Apostles or when the Lord gives Kenneth Copeland a prophecy. Other times, the Holy Spirit uses those people to share a special message specifically for you. By listening to trusted faith ministers and even Spirit-led friends and family members, you can hear the Holy Spirit’s direction.
Now, that doesn’t mean you should listen to every person, or even every Christian, who believes that God wants them to tell you something. Make sure those people are Spirit-filled, Spirit-led and full of faith. Watch the Believer’s Voice of Victory broadcast, read the Believer’s Voice of Victory magazine, attend a faith-filled church, build friendships with believers in those churches, and join KCM’s faith-filled online community and build relationships there.
#3 Hear the Holy Spirit when you Listen in Prayer
Do you find yourself doing all the talking in your prayer time with the Lord? If you never get quiet enough to listen, how will you ever hear what the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart?
When you pray, spend some time praising God for His goodness and thanking Him for all He has done for you (Psalm 100:4). Then ask Him for what you need (Philippians 4:13). After that, get quiet. Prayer is not a one-way conversation. Make sure that you give the Holy Spirit a chance to speak. He may bring a scripture or song to your mind. He may bring a person to mind that needs prayer. Or He may give you direction for your day or even an answer for a prayer request.
Keeping a prayer journal is another great way to identify the Holy Spirit’s voice. Write down what you’ve asked the Lord for and the different ways He has answered those prayers. Write the thoughts He brings to your mind. As you put this into practice, you’ll begin to understand how the Holy Spirit works in and through you. You’ll begin to hear (and read) His answers.
The Holy Spirit is talking. It’s up to you to hear Him clearly. By putting these three keys into practice, you’ll improve your ability to hear the Holy Spirit, and you’ll have the joy of living a Spirit-led life!
Written with permission from Kenneth Copeland Ministries©