Listening to God an E a Johnston Classic
E.A. Johnston emphasizes the importance of cultivating a two-way relationship with God by not only speaking in prayer but also listening attentively to His voice.
In this devotional sermon, E.A. Johnston challenges believers to evaluate their prayer lives and quiet times by emphasizing the necessity of listening to God. He highlights the danger of one-sided communication where prayer becomes only about talking and requests. Johnston encourages a balanced, two-way relationship with God that includes stillness, reflection, and attentiveness to God's voice.
Full Transcript
That's kind of a one-sided friendship, isn't it? My wife has a friend who will say to her, how are you? And when she says fine, the girl will say, well, enough talk about you, let's talk about me. Well, people like that, it's one-sided. Well, I thought about this, and I had to apply this to my quiet time, and I had to ask myself, is that a one-sided relationship, where I'm doing all the talking? Or do I get in there and do I listen? What's my quiet time all about? Am I going in there with my list of prayer requests, and I have those lists, and it's good to have a list, but is that all my quiet time is, where I'm doing all the talking? I'm complaining about this, and I'm griping about that, and I'm asking Him to bless me on this, or am I listening? Be still and know that I am God.
If you want to walk with the creator of the universe, you not only have to follow, you have to listen.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Nature of Our Relationship with God
- Avoid one-sided communication in prayer
- Reflect on the quality of your quiet time
- Recognize the importance of listening
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II. The Role of Listening in Prayer
- Prayer is not just talking but also hearing
- Be still and know God’s presence
- Balance requests with attentive listening
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III. Walking with God
- Follow God actively
- Listen to His guidance
- Cultivate a two-way relationship
Key Quotes
“Is that a one-sided relationship, where I'm doing all the talking? Or do I get in there and do I listen?” — E.A. Johnston
“Be still and know that I am God.” — E.A. Johnston
“If you want to walk with the creator of the universe, you not only have to follow, you have to listen.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Set aside intentional moments of silence during prayer to listen for God's guidance.
- Evaluate your quiet time to ensure it is not dominated by requests but includes attentive listening.
- Cultivate a balanced relationship with God by both speaking and hearing in your daily walk.