Listening to God by Carol Janssen

How often do we hear what's being said, and then proceed to forget what we heard? This happens to me often. I'm trying to do two or more things at once, what's commonly called multi-tasking. I grew up in a home of over-achievers. Thus, as an adult, I'm constantly putting pressure on myself to achieve more and more. The result - I don't listen to what's being said to me.

As a Life Coach, I've been trained to listen. I think I’m a pretty good listener to my clients and my peers – at least that’s what they tell me. Whenever I’m in a professional setting, I listen really, really well. I have to listen for the cues that lead me further and further into the process of coaching my clients.

But what happens when I’m in another setting? I’m trying to multi-task and the result is that I don’t hear half or most of what’s being said to me. Not good!

This happens to me when I pray, too. I run through my shopping list of things that I want from God, but I never slow down enough to listen to God’s answer. How can I even expect to know what God is saying to me – how God is answering my prayers – when I don’t take the time to listen?

If I expect an answer to prayer, maybe I’ll stop and listen. This is what I want to do, how I want to conduct my prayer life. Do I? Not yet. So how do I resolve this for myself?

Here’s my plan:

1. Set aside more time to pray. Add more time to my daily prayer time. Make a habit of getting up earlier so as not to feel rushed. I make time to prepare myself for each day. Why not add enough time to spend with God each day, too? What's more important?

2. Wait and listen for God's answers. After saying my prayers, get quiet. Empty my mind of all thoughts and ideas. Let them flow out as quickly as they flow in. Sweep away the dross.

3. Expect answers. Only when I'm empty of thought is my spirit ready to listen to God's voice. Sometimes it takes writing in my journal, starting in first person, then letting God take over and switching to third person. It's only when I have let go of my ego that God gets through to me. Sometimes the answers don't come right away. After all, I'm subject to God's timing, not mine. And God's timing has always been impeccable in my life.

It’s as simple as slowing down. Maybe that doesn’t sound very simple, with our busy, non-stop lives. However, we have the power to choose how to be in the world - busy and non-stop, or taking a few minutes every day to get quiet, breathe, and listen for God’s voice. God is always ready and waiting for us to listen.

About The Author

Carol Janssen has been a Life Coach since 2000. She is also an accomplished public speaker. Her workshops and retreats are focused on foundational life work, including spiritual growth, reconnecting with core values, living in the public eye, creating a fulfilled life, and many other topics. Carol’s training with the Coaches Training Institute has provided her with a solid basis for working co-actively with her clients and with groups. As a leader, Carol believes that many people have untapped potential, which can be liberated by working with her through obstacles that can be overcome through compassion, listening, and accountability.

Copyright © 2006 Carol Janssen, Metamorphosis Coaching (email via contact page at http://www.caroljanssen.com)