The Art of Listening Prayer: Hearing God's Voice Amidst Life's Noise

by Seth Barnes

What if you could hear from God directly, just as you would from a close friend?

Are you satisfied with a seemingly one-way conversation with God? Do you ever wonder if he really wants to hear from you?

The Art of Listening Prayer is about what it really means to have a personal relationship with God. If God loves his people, maybe it means that he wants to speak one-on-one with us, and if that’s true, shouldn’t our first priority be to learn how to hear from him?

Explore what it means to experience prayer that really is two-way. Using the Bible as a foundation, you can go way beyond theory and grow in this practice of listening prayer. God wants to speak to you, and at the end of this thirty-day devotional, you will not only learn how to draw closer to him, you'll be equipped with a practical process to hear from him on a daily basis.

Genres: Christian, Prayer, Faith, Christian Living, Christian Non Fiction, Christianity

169 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 15, 2004

Reviews

[Jared Pilkington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leveled up my prayer life and INSANE amount. I’ll legit never be the same. Jesus wants to talk back to you! We just have to take the time to listen.

[Mark Schleier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this month-long daily guide to topical prayer. A friend of mine recommended it to me, as he too was re-reading it, and I definitely will be adding it to my re-read list as well. I found even on days that I didn't have a ton of time to spend in prayer after reading, it still set the tone for the day in being reflective and prayer-minded.

[antony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Start listening

It’s true to say that in prayer we do more talking to God than listening. Most of us don’t know the skill or the value of listening. Most of us are conditioned to be giving our opinion rather than hearing that of others.

The scriptures are the word of God and he is speaking to us by them, but learning how to listen more effectively to God can only improve our relationship and our spiritual practice.

This book will lead you to listen more effectively by providing many ways to practice and by giving examples and stories that underpin the process.

It’s worth reading if you are interested in the subject matter. It s daily devotional but read it through over a few days.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes God Does Speak...This book will guide you to how...

In my youth I distinctly and often heard the word of God, my Father. As a Police Officer I know for certain the voice of His Angel kept me from what may have become a fatal event. As life progressed His voice seem to have faded, yet I realize npw it was I who faded from His Love and Grace. This book has helped me step back into a Faith that relies upon not just following the Word of God, but His voice.

This is a very well written, easy to read and easy to apply tutorial on learning to hear God in your life - day-to-day. I highly.recommend it and pray you find a personal dialogue with the Lord..

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful

I enjoyed the process and felt I learned a good model for prayer. At times, I found the writing repetitive and some of the questions worded awkwardly, but overall I would recommend it. I will incorporate listening into my daily prayers. Thank you Mr. Barnes!

[Shaneen Thompson · Rating 1 out of 5]

While I did enjoy the daily invitations to listen to God's voice, the rest of the book turned me off. Barnes theology of prayer seemed largely based on works and his arguments were often contradictory.

[Arantxa Sánchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muy bueno. Si o si te lleva a la oración. Tiene preguntas muy buenas. Recomendado para cualquiera pero básico para alguien que está entrando o empezando una vida de oración.

Me gusto como te invita a leerlo y tips buenos para escribir en tu libreta.

Las preguntas se van poniendo mejores cada día y más profundas. Te ayudan a centrarte totalmente en la relación con Dios. Cada día está compuesto de anécdotas, reflexiones, preguntas y pasajes.

Me hizo reflexionar mucho en mi escucha a Dios y a los demás.

Si necesitas un empujón para ir a la oración este puede ser un muuuuuy buen apoyo.

De este libro aprendí más de la espera en la oración. A Dios no solo se le pregunta y se le escucha, la mayoría de las veces entre la pregunta y la escucha está la espera. En la presencia sucede la espera y que bien nos hace esperar hoy cuando la mayoría de las cosas se nos dan rápido.

Definitivamente regresaré a este libro.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opening material was my favorite -- very clear, Biblical and practical guidance on dialoguing with the Lord and paying attention to all the ways He speaks. Listening Prayer is such a valuable practice -- so grounded in relationship with a living and personal God, which is, I believe, vital to avoiding empty religion. The 26 devotionals and the accompanying prayer questions are good, not great -- some of the wording in the devotionals and questions don't completely align with my own theology, and I also felt that there were too many questions with each section. I've found that simpler is often better, letting the Lord lead. But my issues with the book are very minor. Overall, a solid introduction to a deeper prayer life.

[Allan E.]

Excellent inspiration for developing an authentic relationship with God and gaining an ear with skill to listen to the whisper of the Holy Spirit and courage to act upon it.

Excellent inspiration for developing an authentic relationship with God and gaining an ear with skill to listen to the Holy Spirit and courage to act upon it!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an excellent read. I had no idea how to listen for God’s voice. These daily exercises were so good. It’s a commitment to spend the necessary time, but it is SO worth it! I’m very grateful to have read this book. If you don’t know how to sit in silence and listen for God, I recommend this book.

[McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical. Reminds me that life with God can be an adventure, if we choose to step out in faith. Too often we ask but don’t listen, or don’t even ask at all. It feels a bit risky at times. But what if I asked expecting him to answer? This book invites you to test the waters of listening for God’s voice, with simple, guided prayers.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peru Mission required reading

This is a very helpful book in learning how to listen as I pray to hear God's word. I feel a little more understanding of missionary work and am sure this will guide me in my upcoming adventure.

[Daryl Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was intended to be be read as a devotional book rather than straight through. In spite of this I read it straight through and enjoyed it a lot. I look forward to going back and read it slowly over a 20 week (or longer) period of time to practice the things the author suggests.

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice collection of prayers and reflections to guide one towards a certain transcendence whereby is found a sort of “God in all things”. A few of the walk-throughs are targeted towards specific life questions.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to hear God speak this is a great tool

Excellent book for engaging in prayer, listening and hearing God speak.
Loved that this book had questions to help me engage in prayer and hear God speak

[Wl Bo · Rating 5 out of 5]

life changing book

This book is helping me get closer,much closer to God. I didn’t realize how crusty my heart had become,and how many distractions I allowed to edge Him out…but I am looking forward to reclaiming intimacy with Jesus!

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Practical information

I enjoyed this book. The information is very practical and applicable. However it seemed to not go far enough. Kind felt like it stopped abruptly. But definitely worth the read

[Tabitha Vohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spiritually-insightful, recommended read.

[Jasmine J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book has challenged me and taught me so much about being intentional to listen to God. My life has changed. I had no idea this was possible before. I’m so thankful I read this. 🙌🏽

[Jim Danielson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting

This is a daily work book, this is most likely a good book for a new Christian or one not already using the Bible for study. Not saying I know it all, and I know we all need help at one time or another. I'm saying it's just not what I expected.

[Hazel Anne Corea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Practical approach to listening to God

I like how he guides step by step taking one day at a time.
And it worked
I can hear God !!!!

[Prof Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

important book

This book is a wonderful guide to deeper prayer. Seth’s personal experiences in the presence of the Lord are both motivating and instructive.

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wanted to grow in the habit of "listening prayer," but this did not really say anything of substance in my opinion. Great testimonies and examples are woven throughout.

[Kenzie Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the process and believe this is a great model for prayer. At times, I found the writing repetitive, but overall insightful! <3

[xxtraa_Jazreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow read but great read for people just saved

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reminders and insights about seeking Him and listening for His voice.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some Good Points, But a Lot of Redundancy

I found this book to offer a new way to pray and get responses. However, I think it could have been much shorter.

[Wilson Porte Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aprender a ouvir.

[Abby Burg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This almost feels like it could be a textbook in a personal spiritual formation class. Helpful, step-by-step, and intensely practical.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is broken down into 26 daily devotionals designed to help the reader grasp the importance of developing a personal relationship with Jesus through listening prayer. Over the years I have read various books on prayer but it’s an area in which I still struggle. It’s clear that the enemy does not want us to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. By taking it a day at a time, this book will help guide you into a growing relationship as you learn to listen to God and take action based on what He is telling you. It has been said that God does not lead us to the next step until we have obeyed Him in what He has already told us to do. The author does not profess to have all of the answers but he has practiced what he preaches and has grown in his own relationship with Jesus. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to grow spiritually and improve his or her prayer life. I appreciate receiving a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.