4 Keys to Hearing God's Voice Session 2

Summary

Mark Virkler’s session presents a Christian approach to listening for God through prayer, reflection, and journaling. He emphasizes checking impressions against biblical principles and seeking trusted counsel rather than relying on a private impression alone.

Four Keys to Hearing God’s Voice

The speaker recommends using all four keys together:

• Be still and quiet yourself.
• Look for vision—picture Jesus or another prayer setting.
• Tune in to spontaneous thoughts that arise during prayer.
• Journal by writing down those thoughts.

Safeguards and Discernment

• Treat the Bible as the foundation, and check whether journaled impressions are compatible with biblical principles.
• Read Scripture regularly and be willing to act on its guidance, including apologizing or repenting promptly when appropriate.
• Seek input from two or three trusted spiritual advisers. The speaker recommends people who know you, understand Scripture, offer spiritual discernment, are open to receiving counsel themselves, and have relevant experience.
• Take responsibility for your own decisions. Virkler defines submission as being open to Spirit-led counsel and correction while retaining personal discernment.
• When receiving criticism or advice, ask God to show you what may be true in it rather than reflexively rejecting it.

Reflection and Relationships

The speaker encourages listening to the heart as well as using reason, and presents prayer and journaling as ways to reflect on impressions.

He recommends asking how to show greater honor, respect, patience, and love to a spouse, children, and friends. Participants shared examples such as listening more, speaking gently, encouraging others, respecting their individuality, spending time with them, and criticizing less.

He cautions against trying to change loved ones to match oneself. Instead, focus on loving and supporting them.

Presenters and Sources

• Presenter: Mark Virkler
• Sources mentioned: The Bible, including Hebrews 13:17, 1 Corinthians 2, Romans 7:22, and John 5; the seminar guide; and Virkler’s books A Sense Your Spirit and 49 Lies I Repented of When I Renounced Pharisee-ism. Morris Fuller and Gary Greg are also mentioned as people Virkler consulted.