Today’s scripture: Isaiah 42:1-9 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Linda Bernabie):
I am jealous of Isaiah and others who have “audible” conversations with God. How wonderful it must be to have a two-way, “audible” conversation with God on a regular basis.
What I really want is to start each day eating my bowl of Multi-grain Cheerios, with God sitting across the table, and we are having an “audible” one-to-one conversation. But it just doesn’t work that way — at least it doesn’t for me!
The Bible tells us that God had “audible” conversations with many people. Noah was instructed how to build the Ark, God promised Abraham he would have a son, Moses was given a plan to free the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt, and God converted Saul (Paul) on the road to Damascus (to mention a few).
Yes, God speaks to me, but the voice I hear does not sound like Scarlett Johansson or James Earl Jones. There are times when it is cryptic and difficult to determine what is expected of me. Until God decides to “audibly” whisper softly in my ear or loudly bellow from above, I hear my beloved God in many different ways.
I read the scriptures regularly. God’s words in the Bible give me words of warning, encouragement, abundant love, and life lessons.
God speaks to me through the words of Jesus in the Gospels. Through the words of Jesus, I know what God is like and how I should live my life.
I hear God’s voice in music. The words and notes open my ears and heart, and I am consoled and comforted. I can feel my spirits lifted.
God the Holy Spirit speaks to me through my conscience and helps me to make the right decisions. Most of us call it “gut feeling.”
Prayer is the most powerful communication with God. While praying, my mind becomes clear and my heart is more open. I may not hear an “audible” voice, but I can feel the Holy Spirit within me.
I once read a quotation that said, “Prayer is when you talk to God; meditation is when you listen to God.” Most days I take a short time (5-10 minutes) to meditate. Meditating “shuts me up” so God has an opening to speak. In the tranquility of meditation, I get a gentle feeling that can only come from God — and it fills my heart and cleanses my soul.
Quote for the Day: “There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God.” — Brother Lawrence
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.