4 Keys to Hearing God's Voice

by Mark Virkler, Patti Virkler

Based on the highly popular and successful book, How to Hear God’s Voice, this exciting new book emphasizes the 4 Keys to Hearing God’s Voice.

“When I learned to hear God’s voice after 11 years as a believer without it, every part of me was radically transformed. Thousands have told me they have had this same metamorphosis, and I believe that this will become your testimony also,” writes co-author, Mark Virkler.

The keys that are examined, discussed in detail, and can be immediately applied to your life are:

How to recognize God’s voice as spontaneous thoughts. Learning how to become still before the Lord. Looking for vision as you pray. Realizing the importance of two-way journaling.  Filled with insights from years of hearing from God, 4 Keys to Hearing God’s Voice also includes visual aids that enhance the teaching and learning experience. Very reader-friendly, you will find that the concepts and principles are easily adapted to your personal circumstances and lifestyle.

Designed to bring even more depth to your relationship with God, this book is part of an integrated package that includes a DVD and seminar guide for either individual or group study. Either as a stand-alone book or as part of a package, you are sure to gain valuable encouragement and motivation to seek intimate communication with God, your heavenly Father.

Genres: Christian, Spirituality, Christianity, Nonfiction, Prayer, Faith, Religion

312 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2010

Reviews

[Christy Bower]

Years ago I began writing letters to God and receiving answers from God through journaling. This process helped me learn to hear and recognize the voice of God without the aid of writing. But eventually, I encountered Christians who insisted that God doesn’t speak today and that if I was hearing God’s voice, I needed to see a psychiatrist. Well, when enough people made comments like that, I began to fear I had fallen into heresy or something so I backed away from the practice. That sent me on the slippery slope of backsliding and the voice of God became a distant memory. I no longer had access to the God who loved me, encouraged me, and guided me through the difficulties of life.

A few weeks ago, someone encouraged me to take this Bible course on 4 Keys to Hearing God’s Voice. I was reluctant at first because so many people had shamed me into forsaking the practice, but once I delved into the pages of the text, I found myself at home once again. As I began to converse with God through two-way journaling, I felt my spirit revive.

Mark Virkler’s teaching provides a firm biblical foundation for the practice of hearing God’s voice. Through this affirmation, I was able to wash away the shame I felt from those who scolded me about hearing from God. The book also gives clear explanations of how hearing from God is not a New Age phenomenon, but is rooted in Scripture and all through history until rationalism came to reign supreme over supernatural interventions. For those who are new to the practice, Mark Virkler offers four simple explanations of how to hear God’s voice. The book also contains prompts to help you get started in your two-way conversations with God.

If you would like to learn to hear God’s voice for yourself, I encourage you to read 4 Keys to Hearing God’s Voice.

This review, along with additional book quotes, first appeared on my blog, ChristyBower.com.

[Christopher Lewis Kozoriz]

"These four elements - becoming still, using vision, tuning to spontaneity, and journaling-are the elements used by the prophet Habakkuk to hear the voice of God." (Mark & Patti Virkler, 4 Keys to Hearing God's Voice, Page 25)

This book will stretch you. It will stretch your faith. I was at first very skeptical of this book and the methods that were being introduced to me at the beginning of this book on hearing God's voice. If results are the name of the game, then I will give this book 5 stars because that is what will happen if you hold to the instruction that is found in this book. You will begin to hear God's voice using the 4 keys the author mentions, which are:

1. Stillness
2. Vision
3. Spontaneity
4. Journaling

He says, on page 25: "The order of the keys is not critical. The crucial thing is that you use all four keys at one time!"

This book was included in the course by IT'S SUPERNATURAL! School of Ministry course called Encountering God 24/7 Dr. by Mark Virkler.

As I said before, I was highly skeptical that there was a method for hearing God's voice, but after having done the exercises that are based on these 4 keys, I can enthusiastically say that I have heard and am hearing God's voice using this method. One objection that immediately came to my mind was "isn't this what New Agers do called "automatic writing"? The difference as you will learn is New Agers are seeking to engage any spirit while Christians are looking to engage the Holy Spirit. From my understanding in automatic writing, a New Ager will let their hand hang limp and allow any spirit to write through them. Using the 4 keys based on Habakkuk model, we engage the whole spirit and focus on Jesus and allow spontaneous thoughts to light upon our minds. Allowing God to speak to the eyes of our hearts and we write what we hearing down. May sound complicated, but entirely simple.

The Scripture this whole teaching is based upon is Habakkuk 2:1-2:

"I will stand on my guard post
And station myself on the rampart;
And I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me,
And how I may reply when I am reproved.
Then the Lord answered me and said,
"Record the vision
And inscribe it on tablets,
That the one who reads it may run.

[Jenny Bennett]

I loved this book (also his other book "Dialogue with God"). His four keys are stillness, vision, spontaneity and journaling. So many books talk about hearing from God, but this book actually teaches how we can do this. It is simple and it's Biblical with lots of examples and practical exercises.

[Audrey]

It is a great book for those that want to learn how to hear and listen God's voice. Love it and highly recommend it!

[Amanda]

This is a super interactive book filled with teaching and actionable steps. Highly recommend for those who know there is MORE to “quiet time” than reading a devotional. Full of Scripture, solid teaching and personal examples. I’d love to do this book with a group. Would definitely pass along to my daughter.

[Esther Dan]

Excellent Read

One of the best books I have read on hearing the voice of God & allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through you. Practical steps that will remove doubts one may have on their accuracy in listening to His voice

[Andrew Mueller]

One thing I appreciate about Mark is his research and passion for this topic. This man has studied. For this reason the book is worth a read, even if you don't agree with everything in it. But- this is also the downside of the book. It is such a long book to explain such a simple concept. There are a couple of great videos on YouTube of Mark explaining the four keys, and I would recommend that to most people, as he explains the concept sufficiently in about 18 minutes. Then, if the person has questions or wants to dive deeper into how Mark has come to certain conclusions, I'd recommend reading the book.

[Adrienna]

I enjoyed the 4 keys to hearing God's voice; but as a prophetess, I loved the section and chapter on how to restore your visionary capacity (listing the problems and how to heal them). Some prophets do not realize they make mistakes and not always from God, therefore, this area helps them see the light (p. 199-201). There were also suggestions for seeing the spirit.

[Lori Bell]

Totally upgraded my understanding of spiritual things! Not only did I read the book I enrolled in his 12 week course. I began journaling last year in 2012 and it is still part of my life. If you assurance of Gods voice speaking to you and within you, highly recommend this.

[Helen]

My life began to change as I employed some of his suggestions as to how to sit in His presence. I love the two way journaling.

[Debbie]

I now have tools to use to hear God's voice. I've been enjoying hearing from God, been enjoying this relationship!!

[Ken]

Changed my approach to hearing from God

[Floyd]

Helpful suggestions to keep in mind to hear God in every day living.

[Dailey Joy]

this book has radically changed my life. i’m embarrassed at how long i was a believer and didn’t recognize how to hear His voice. so grateful this book changed that for me.

[Maria Elmvang]

Nina recommended this book to me, and I am so glad she did! It's a fascinating book that took me a LOT longer to read than it should have - and for a really stupid reason to. At chapter 10 I was still only at 24% of my kindle book, and though it was excellent, it seemed rather daunting that it was THAT LONG!!! So imagine my surprise when it turned out that the next chapter was Appendix A!

Turned out, the book itself finished at 27% or so and ALL THE REST was the New Testament, which had been included in the ebook version. I felt slightly stupid not to have realized this in advance, and would probably have finished the book ages ago if I had.

That said, I really enjoyed how Mark Virkler took a practical approach to hearing God's voice - giving concrete examples and suggestions of what to do and how to train yourself to open your ear to the voice of God. Between his suggestions and Nina's advice I finally found a method that worked for me, and for the first time ever was able to consciously talk with God, rather than merely to Him.

I don't entirely agree with everything Mark Virkler wrote, but I thought it awesome to read this account from a person who's as left-brained as I am. Most other books I've read on the subject have been from a more right-brained perspective leaving me with almost more questions than I started out with.

A really excellent book, that I want to read again before too long, in order to make sure the messages "stick".

[Virginia Skinner]

A Helpful Guide for Learning to Slow Down and Listen to God

4 Keys to Hearing God’s Voice offers a very calm and practical approach to learning how to recognize the Lord’s voice in your daily life. The book centers around four practices—stillness, Scripture-focused vision, being sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s gentle impressions, and journaling what you sense God is speaking.

What I appreciated most is that it encourages believers to quiet their minds, open their Bibles, and actually expect God to speak—not through chaos, but through peace. The journaling aspect can be especially helpful for people who struggle to stay focused or who want to track their spiritual growth.

At the same time, I read it with discernment. Some parts lean heavily into “flow-writing,” which may not be for everyone. I found that the safest way to use this book is to stay anchored in the Word, test everything, and remember that the Holy Spirit will never contradict Scripture.

Overall, it’s a gentle and encouraging tool for anyone longing to deepen their personal walk with God and learn to be more sensitive to His voice. When used with biblical wisdom, it can strengthen your prayer life and draw you into a closer fellowship with Jesus.

[Joey]

I'll set aside any critique of writing style or authorship, and instead focus on the journaling technique this book introduces. I loved it, what a game changer for me. Read this with my Bible Study group, and the journaling definitely wasn't for everybody. I really connected though, and am so glad to have been introduced to this tool, which I have used multiple times, and expect to use moving forward.

[Amanda Dzimianski]

The author wisely encourages removing many of our churchy, fear-based rules for communicating with God - and then fills the void with dozens of formulas, lists, charts, and more rules. Much of the material could be so good, but I would hesitate before offering it to anyone without some dramatic culling and stream-lining.

[Buzz Park]

Content is amazing… Skip the audible

Book is amazing but the narrator literally sounds like an AI-generated voice. Seriously, it’s the oddest, most mechanical narration I’ve ever listened to.

[Stephanie Brown]

I don’t really think my beliefs align with what is presented in this book. I completed it though because I think it’s always a good thing to learn about and understand other points of view. And it did help me read more scripture as I was working through the book. It really just wasn’t for me.

[Amy Fleming]

Very good book, putting this into practice.
Is it perfect? No - I thought he over-ran his theology in a few places. But the lessons themselves are EXCELLENT and I'm very pleased. Using this for a lifetime!!!!!!!!

[Howard]

Good practices in order to get closer to God. however, some of the language that the author used is a bit flowery.

[Daniel Green]

Real clear and easy to follow. Step by step approach. Anyone can hear God's voice clearly. Just follow the simple instructions in this book.

[J. Delton]

Practical and balanced study of a very needed practice for every believer. Shifted my perspective and deepened my hunger.

[Vicki Edwards]

I have a shelf of books on prayer and knowing God. I have found this book to be the most practical, scriptural and truly helpful discussion on the topic.

[Christine]

A very simple & clear way of summarizing a very important topic and subject.

[Maria]

The Lord led me to this on my own in the mid90s. What a joy to read about someone who teaches how to hear the Lord in the same way!

[Martha Brown Jones]

Excellent book if you really want to know and hear God in your life.

[Jayne]

Great study to do with others or by yourself.

[Rachael Hoffman]

This is a very practical book. So good!