Summary

This sermon explores how to hear God's voice through prayer, using the story of Elijah from 1 Kings 17-19. The pastor emphasizes that prayer isn't just a habit to build but a hunger to be fed, and that God is more present in a whisper than in dramatic displays. The message addresses the challenge of finding quiet time with God in our busy, distracted world, noting that many believers struggle with burnout and exhaustion from carrying burdens Jesus never asked them to carry. The sermon highlights that God meets us in our burnout and depression, not just in our success, and calls for believers to create space for silence and solitude with God.

Intro Prayer

Father, as we gather together today, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us. Help us to set aside the distractions and busyness of our lives so we can truly hear Your voice. We come hungry for You, Lord, and we ask that You would speak to each of us in the way we need to hear from You today. Give us ears to hear and hearts that are receptive to Your whisper. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's the quietest place you've ever been, and how did it make you feel?

Key Verses

1. 1 Kings 19:11-12
2. Matthew 11:28-30
3. Psalm 46:10
4. Psalm 139:23-24

Questions

1. When was the last time you truly listened for God's voice? What made that experience meaningful or challenging?
2. The pastor mentioned that we often compartmentalize our spiritual lives. How can we integrate prayer and connection with God throughout our entire day?
3. Elijah experienced burnout even after a great victory. How do you handle spiritual or emotional exhaustion in your own life?
4. God spoke to Elijah in a gentle whisper, not in the wind, earthquake, or fire. Why do you think God often speaks in quiet moments rather than dramatic ones?
5. What 'burdens' or 'yokes' are you carrying that Jesus never asked you to carry? How might your life change if you released them?
6. The sermon emphasized creating 10 minutes of daily silence with God. What obstacles prevent you from having quiet time, and how might you overcome them?
7. How comfortable are you with silence and solitude? What makes it difficult to be still before God?
8. The pastor suggested that corporate prayer can help us become better at individual prayer. How has praying with others impacted your personal prayer life?

Life Application

This week, commit to creating a 10-minute window of silence each day to listen for God's voice. Start small if needed - even 30 seconds of quiet time with God is a beginning. During this time, practice 'ceasing striving' and simply being still before Him. If you get distracted, gently redirect your attention back to God and start again.

Key Takeaways

1. Prayer is not just a habit to build but a hunger to be fed - it's the best way to get close enough to hear God's voice
2. God meets us in our burnout and exhaustion, not just in our success and victories
3. God is more present in a gentle whisper than in dramatic displays of power
4. Jesus' yoke is light - we often carry burdens He never asked us to bear, leading to exhaustion and spiritual dryness
5. Hearing God's voice requires intentional quiet time and solitude, away from the distractions of our busy lives

Ending Prayer

Father, thank You for speaking to us today about the importance of listening for Your voice. Help us to cast away the chaos and busyness that prevents us from hearing Your gentle whisper. Give us the courage to release the burdens we've been carrying that You never asked us to bear, and help us take on Your light yoke of love. As we leave this place, may we be intentional about creating space for silence and solitude with You. Help us to prioritize our relationship with You above the distractions of this world. We are hungry for You, Lord, and we ask that You would meet us in our quiet moments this week. In Jesus' name, Amen.