David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of allowing God to speak to us, using the story of Elijah as a powerful example. Despite Elijah's incredible acts of faith and prayer, he found himself in despair after facing Jezebel's threats, leading him to hide in a cave. In his isolation, Elijah focused on his problems rather than listening to God's voice, missing the truth that God had preserved 7,000 faithful followers. Wilkerson urges believers to not only pray but also to be attentive to God's guidance, reminding us that we can become so busy serving that we forget to listen. The sermon calls for a deeper relationship with God, where we seek His voice amidst our struggles.

Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of listening to God daily, illustrating that God's voice brought order and creation in Genesis. He warns against the danger of merely reading the Bible without truly hearing God's message, as exemplified by those who crucified Jesus despite their scriptural knowledge. Poonen encourages believers to adopt a listening posture like Samuel's, highlighting that God's word is powerful and transformative. He outlines various ways God communicates, including through His Word, circumstances, godly counsel, and communal fellowship. Ultimately, he stresses that developing the habit of listening to God is crucial for spiritual growth and effectiveness.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of listening to God amidst the chaos of life, drawing inspiration from the biblical account of Samuel who responded to God's call with a willing heart. He prays for the ability to hear God's voice clearly, urging believers to cultivate a familiarity with it so that they can discern it above the noise of the world. Tozer's message encourages a deep, personal relationship with God, where one actively seeks to listen and respond to His guidance.

David Wilkerson teaches that God instructed Elijah on the importance of listening by demonstrating His presence not through powerful natural phenomena, but through a still small voice. Despite Elijah's expectations for God to act dramatically against his enemies, he learned that true guidance comes in quiet moments of reflection and receptivity. This lesson emphasizes that many believers, despite their fervent activities, may miss the gentle whisper of God's direction in their lives. Ultimately, it is in the stillness that God provides the most specific and profound instructions for our paths.

T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of having an 'opened ear' to the Lord, contrasting Israel's rebellion and refusal to listen with the obedient response of the Servant of the Lord, Jesus Christ. He highlights how Jesus, through His suffering and dependence on God, exemplified the importance of listening and receiving divine instruction daily. This opened ear not only sustains the individual but also equips them to bring hope and reassurance to others in despair. Sparks encourages believers to cultivate a habit of listening to God, especially in quiet times, to effectively minister to those who are weary. The message underscores the transformative power of being attuned to God's voice in our daily lives.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of silence and listening to God before speaking on His behalf. He reflects on how true understanding and revelation come from a quiet heart, as exemplified by David's experience of musing in silence before speaking. Tozer suggests that many Christians would benefit from taking time to be still and listen for God's voice, which can lead to profound spiritual healing and insight. He warns that a busy mouth often hinders the heart from receiving divine truth. Ultimately, he calls for a return to the practice of silence to deepen our relationship with God.

A.W. Tozer expresses his deep concern as a pastor for those who fail to hear God's voice despite repeated exposure to biblical truths. He reflects on the danger of spiritual complacency, drawing parallels to the Jews of Jesus' time who, despite their heritage, rejected the Messiah. Tozer implores God for a responsive heart among believers, emphasizing the need for genuine listening and openness to God's guidance. He warns against the presumption that can lead to spiritual blindness and urges a return to humility and receptiveness to God's Word.

A.W. Tozer addresses the challenge of modern believers who approach God with their defenses up, often resistant to sound doctrine due to their own desires and distractions. He emphasizes the rarity of individuals coming to worship with an open heart, ready to receive God's message. Tozer laments the spiritual apathy that has led many to turn away from truth and instead seek out comforting fables. He calls for a return to humility and a willingness to listen to God's voice, urging believers to lower their guards and approach Him with sincerity. The sermon serves as a reminder of the importance of being receptive to divine guidance in a world filled with distractions.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of humility and reverence in our relationship with God, using the example of Abram who fell on his face to listen to God's covenant. This posture symbolizes the ideal relationship where God communicates and man listens and obeys. Tozer highlights that without this listening attitude, individuals cannot experience a personal encounter with God. He calls for a return to a humble position before God, recognizing the overwhelming presence of the divine and the need for submission in prayer. The sermon encourages believers to seek more moments of humility and reverence in their busy lives.

David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of discerning whether we are listening to men or to God, drawing parallels between the apostle John's revelation on Patmos and our own need for a 'Patmos' experience. He urges believers to set aside distractions and come boldly to God's throne, where they can receive mercy and grace. Wilkerson highlights that many Christians neglect this call, focusing instead on worldly activities, and stresses the necessity of prioritizing time alone with God to hear His voice. He reassures that one can maintain their responsibilities while still seeking a deeper connection with the Lord. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a commitment to listen to the Holy Spirit above all else.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the significance of listening to God's voice through afflictions, likening them to a rod that speaks to the soul. He urges Christians to remain silent and receptive during trials, as these experiences can reveal God's displeasure and guide them back to Him. Each affliction, or 'twig,' carries a message, prompting believers to reflect on their relationship with God and encouraging them to turn away from sin and draw closer to Christ. Brooks highlights that true understanding of God's voice comes from humility and submission under His rod. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper love and commitment to Christ amidst life's challenges.

Horatius Bonar emphasizes the importance of listening to God, who speaks peace to His people. He outlines the roles of the listener, the speaker, and the message, highlighting that true peace comes from God and is essential for a holy life. Bonar explains that peace must precede holiness, as reconciliation with God is the foundation for spiritual growth. He warns against returning to folly, urging believers to embrace the peace offered by God and live consistently in holiness. The sermon calls for a life dedicated to listening to God's voice and responding to His message of peace.

Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of listening to God's whisper amidst life's chaos, using the story of Elijah as a powerful example. Despite living under the wicked rule of King Ahab, Elijah remained steadfast in his faith and showed respect for authority. After a dramatic confrontation with the prophets of Baal, Elijah fled from Jezebel's wrath and encountered God at Horeb, where he learned that God's voice is often found in the stillness rather than in the tumultuous events of life. Stegen encourages believers to quiet their hearts and draw near to God to hear His guidance, which is essential for spiritual maturity and fruitful ministry. The sermon highlights the necessity of living a pure life to remain attuned to God's whisper.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the continuous speaking nature of God, asserting that God is inherently communicative and actively expressing Himself through creation and the Scriptures. He argues that the Voice of God is the fundamental force behind all existence, and that the Bible is not merely a historical document but a living Word that speaks to us today. Tozer encourages believers to cultivate a listening heart, recognizing that God's Voice is present and seeking a response from humanity. He warns against the distractions of modern life that drown out this divine communication and calls for a return to stillness and attentiveness to hear God's Voice clearly.

Andrew Murray emphasizes the significance of starting the New Year with a renewed commitment to God, drawing lessons from Abram's life. He encourages believers to listen attentively for God's voice, recognizing that true consecration involves a humble acknowledgment of our need for divine guidance. Murray warns against the common failure of Christians who neglect to seek God's direction, urging them to cultivate an open heart and mind for revelation. The sermon highlights that genuine dedication to God leads to a deeper understanding of His will and a reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance.

Zac Poonen emphasizes the critical role of listening to God daily for spiritual leaders, highlighting that true transformation and effective ministry stem from hearing God's voice rather than merely reading scripture or following popular teachings. He warns against the dangers of preaching based on human wisdom or trends, urging leaders to seek God's revelation for authentic and impactful messages. Poonen illustrates that God's words lead to supernatural accomplishments, and he encourages leaders to evaluate their messages against God's standards, ensuring they influence their congregations for eternity. He also discusses various ways God communicates with us, including through His Word, circumstances, and the counsel of mature believers. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to develop the habit of listening to God as the foundation for effective leadership.

G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the significance of living in the post-resurrection era, where believers experience the presence of Christ not physically but spiritually. He reflects on the disciples' encounter on the road to Emmaus, where their hearts burned with renewed passion and understanding as Jesus revealed the Scriptures to them. Morgan highlights the need for Christians to rekindle their love for Christ and to listen attentively to His voice, rather than merely engaging in prayer or fellowship. He calls for a revival of the art of waiting and listening for God's guidance in our lives. Ultimately, the sermon encourages believers to seek a deeper connection with Christ through the Scriptures.

Zac Poonen emphasizes the critical need for believers to develop the habit of listening to God amidst the distractions of daily life, drawing parallels between the days of Noah and Lot and the current state of society where legitimate activities often crowd out time for God. He highlights that true effectiveness in ministry stems from spending time at Jesus' feet, listening for His voice, and warns against the dangers of being too busy to hear God. Poonen illustrates this with biblical examples, such as Moses and Samuel, who prioritized listening to God before speaking to others. He stresses that listening involves more than reading the Bible; it requires meditation, humility, and a willingness to obey God's Word. Ultimately, he calls believers to examine their lives and remove barriers that prevent them from hearing God's voice daily.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of silence and a closed mouth in prayer, arguing that true communion with God transcends mere requests for personal gain. He reflects on Psalm 39:3, illustrating that a hot heart often arises from a quiet spirit, and that listening is essential before speaking. Tozer warns against the tendency of modern prayer to focus on what we can 'get' from God, urging believers to seek a deeper union with Him. He concludes with a personal prayer for the discipline of silence before God, recognizing its necessity for spiritual growth.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of taking time to listen to God amidst our fast-paced lives, illustrating this with a story about Samuel Taylor Coleridge and a Quaker woman who questioned his busyness. Tozer argues that our hurried existence often prevents us from truly contemplating and hearing God's voice. He reflects on the importance of solitude and silence for spiritual growth and understanding, urging believers to prioritize moments of stillness to connect with God. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the ability to slow down and embrace this vital practice.