4 Keys to Hearing God's Voice Session 3

Summary

Mark Virkler teaches a four-part approach to hearing God’s voice, describing it as a way to build intimacy with God, find direction, and bring daily priorities into balance.

The Four Keys

• Stillness: Quiet yourself and become receptive.
• Vision: Fix your attention on Jesus and picture a comfortable setting.
• Spontaneity: Pay attention to thoughts or impressions that arise.
• Journaling: Write what comes to mind, treating the practice as a two-way conversation.

Practicing the Method

Virkler suggests beginning by writing honestly to God, then pausing, focusing on Jesus, and writing what you sense in response. In a group exercise, he encourages participants to write freely without second-guessing their impressions.

He also models a three-step approach to processing emotions through prayer: tell God openly how you feel, quiet yourself, and listen for a response. He says prayer can include difficult or personal topics.

Applying Reflection to Daily Priorities

Virkler says that beginning the day by listening and journaling helped him identify tasks he did not need to do. He recommends asking what can be removed from current responsibilities, rather than letting guilt, comparisons with others, or every unmet need dictate the schedule.

He recounts being encouraged to work less, relax, and value time with his children. He presents time spent connecting with loved ones as important—not an interruption of “real” work.

As a personal productivity technique, Virkler describes scanning some books for passages that stand out, then slowing down to reflect on those sections. He distinguishes this approach from reading books he believes should be studied carefully from beginning to end.

Relationship Over Rule-Checking

Using biblical examples, Virkler contrasts following a long list of religious rules with seeking personal guidance through prayer. He says this shift helped him feel less condemned and more responsive to what he believed God was asking of him.

He also argues that people cannot respond to every need around them. Listening for direction can help them decide which responsibilities are theirs.

Presenters and Sources

• Presenter: Mark Virkler
• Sources discussed: The Bible—Genesis 3:8; Deuteronomy 5:22–30; Acts 13:22; John 17:3; Luke 10:38–42; Philippians 3:10; Hebrews 12:18–25; and Revelation 19:7.
• Other voices: Unnamed seminar attendees share excerpts from their journaling, including one participant identified as Jason.