How to Hear from God

“O Lord, now I have heard your report, and I worship you in awe . . .” Habakkuk 3:2 (TLB)

God’s not just some distant figure—he wants to be my friend. And like any friendship, that means spending time together and talking regularly. But how do I hear from him? Start with worship.

I thank him for being a part of my life and for being interested in the details. I thank him for answering my prayers: “O Lord, now I have heard your report, and I worship you in awe . . .” (Habakkuk 3:2 TLB). When God gives me a vision, when God gives me a dream, when God responds to my prayers, thank him! That’s all part of worshiping God.

Stop seeing prayers as a monologue and start seeing them for what they truly are: a dialogue. Prayer is a conversation with God. He hears me when I pray, and he answers me when I ask questions. He wants to talk to me every day. And when I faithfully talk to God, it will revolutionize my life.

It’s hard to recognize God’s voice if I don’t really know him—and there are three levels of knowing God: recognition, acquaintance, and friendship. In the recognition level; I know God is there, but I don't really know him. The acquaintance level: I know God a little bit, but I don't know him very well. 

God wants me to live at the friendship level. He wants to be my friend, and he wants me to be his friend. If I'm struggling to talk with God regularly, as one would talk to a friend, It's been suggested that I pray this prayer:

“Dear God, I'm amazed that you would want me for a friend. I really want to learn to have conversations with you. Help me to spend time with you everyday. Thank you that you care about every detail of my life. Jesus, I want to know you more and more every day and I want to depend on you for guidance in my job, my family, my future, and in every other area of my life. I invite you to be the manager of my life, my Lord and Savior, as I follow you and trust in you. In your name I pray. Amen." 

In summary:

God desires a close, personal friendship with me—not just recognition or acquaintance. Like any meaningful relationship, friendship with God requires regular communication and time spent together. Worship is a powerful starting point; when I thank God for His presence, answered prayers, and guidance, I deepen my connection with Him. Habakkuk 3:2 reflects this attitude of gratitude and awe in response to hearing from God.

Prayer is not a one-sided monologue but a two-way conversation. As I grow in our relationship with God, I move from simply acknowledging His existence to truly knowing Him as a friend. The more I engage with God daily—talking with Him, listening, and inviting Him into every aspect of my life—the more my spiritual life transforms. So I will pray and invite God into a daily friendship, asking for help in building a deeper, ongoing dialogue and trust with every part of my life.