Welcome to Cross and Crown Lutheran Church.

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Isn’t it amazing that we can hear from God? This is not to say that it is always easy to hear God, but it is truly remarkable that it happens at all. God wants to be heard! In theology, we called this entire concept “revelation”. That is, we have a God who has a revealing nature, rather than a concealing nature. Of course, the greatest revelation of God that we have ever known is Jesus Christ, the revealed and incarnate God of love. You might say, “But I can never hear God!” I understand. It is not an audible voice, in the same way we hear from one another. It requires us to listen differently. I have some suggestions: 

 1. Stop saying “I don’t hear God.” Instead, tell yourself, “I’m learning to listen and hear God.” This will help you open up to the reality of God’s voice, and your capacity to hear it.

 2. Be as still as you can. This doesn’t mean don’t move or get things done. But slow down when possible. We live life at such a rapid pace. Slowness or stillness, even in pockets of the day, help us attune to God. 

 3. Even more important than slowing the body is slowing the mind. Drop worries into God’s hands, surrender fears, and forgive resentments. Let go of stress, strife, and angst as much as possible. These things often produce a kind of static that makes it difficult to hear God. Let these issues go into God's care as much as you can. 

 4. Start each day committed to hearing more of God’s wisdom. Our own intention to hear God helps us a lot.  

 5. Look around outside. See what the Creator has made. Allow yourself to stand in awe.  

 6. Lean in to that still, small voice in your soul, the Holy Spirit whispering to your spirit. This might happen in the car, or the shower, or while gardening, or when hearing music. It cannot be rushed or commanded, but it will come. God’s voice sounds and feels like love, goodness, excitement, peace, or well-being.  

 7. Trust that you DO, in fact, hear God. God made you that way.  

Peace, 

Pastor Stephanie