I’m writing this primarily to men (like me), but it applies to women, students and children.  In my time alone with God this morning I read Psalm 95 and it reminded me of a posture I can take to hear from God especially when people (you, me & others) gather as the Church for services.

This isn’t a check-list but a suggestion as to what you can do to hear from God as we gather.  It can also apply to your time alone with God if you have one.

Ps 95:1 Sing to the Lord.   Don’t just stand there like a spectator; engage when we sing as a congregation.   Use your brain, eyes, mouth, tongue, vocal chords, lips, heart and mind and participate because we’re singing about the greatness of God (even if you don’t know the song or it’s not your style).   I’m pretty sure the songs they sang in Old Testament Times and New Testament Times wouldn’t be your style either.    Ps 95:2-3 says we should sing songs of praise to Him because He is a great God.   Would you agree?  Then sing it!  God is good; express it as we sing.  In addition to preparing you to hear from God, it encourages those who might be watching your example (kids, students or other adults)!

Ps 95:2  Spend a moment in thanksgiving.   As you get ready, as you drive to gather with your church and/or as you arrive – spend a few moments thanking God for His greatness and goodness to you.  Psalm 100 says we enter His presence with singing and thanksgiving!

Ps 95:6  Bow your heart and life to Him.   Verse 6 suggests we kneel before God.   This can be physically, mentally, emotionally and/or spiritually.   The idea is that as we gather as His Church we recognize who He is and choose to submit our lives to Him.   You might say something as simple as: “Lord, I confess You are God and I am not, so I submit my life to You today; speak to me because I’m here to listen and obey whatever You say.”

Ps 95:7-8  Don’t harden your heart.  As you prepare for any gathering of God’s people don’t harden your heart.  Come with an open and expectant heart regardless of the music or who the speaker might be!   I suggest you simply tell God you want to hear from Him and want to obey.   I often ask Him if there’s an attitude or action in my life that needs to change, or if theres something specific I need to do like mend or work on a relationship or ask someone for forgiveness.  I also try to make sure I’ve confessed my sin (1 John 1:9) and have a right heart before God.

I hope these suggestions help you in some way.   God wants to speak to you; will you listen?  

Have a blessed day.