God Still Speaks! Listening Prayer Seminar | Canaan Taiwanese Christian Church

Listening Prayer Workshop John 1 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning God is a speaking God. He still speaks today! We’re meant to hear: “My sheep know my voice; I know them and they follow me” (John 10.27) We’re meant to speak for Him: Acts In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning God is a speaking God. He still speaks today! We’re meant to hear: “My sheep know my voice; I know them and they follow me” (John 10.27) We’re meant to speak for Him: Acts

Listening Prayer Workshop The Revelatory Gifts The supernatural gift of speaking words that come from God to people The supernatural gift of speaking words that come from God to people I Cor To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. I Cor To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. The supernatural gift of speaking words that come from God to people The supernatural gift of speaking words that come from God to people I Cor To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. I Cor To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

Listening Prayer Workshop The Revelatory Gifts The supernatural gift of speaking words that come from God to people The supernatural gift of speaking words that come from God to people I Cor To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. I Cor To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. The supernatural gift of speaking words that come from God to people The supernatural gift of speaking words that come from God to people I Cor To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. I Cor To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

Listening Prayer Workshop Eagerly desire prophecy and use it in love (1 Cor 12-14) But eagerly desire the greater gifts (I Cor 12.31a) A And now I will show you the most excellent way (I Cor 12.31b) B If I speak in tongues... If I have the gift of prophecy... (description of love - I Cor 13) C Follow the way of love (1 Cor 14.1a) B’ and eagerly desire spiritual gifts (14.1b) A’ especially the gift of prophecy (14.1c) A’’

Listening Prayer Workshop Prophecy in I Corinthians 14 Eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy (1) speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement & comfort (3) edifies the church (4) rather have you prophesy (5) one who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues (5) builds up the church (12) try to excel in gifts that build up the church (12)

Listening Prayer Workshop How is Prophecy today different than in the Old Testament? Prophecy ≠ prophecy. The Word of God ≠ words from God Prophecy ≠ prophecy. The Word of God ≠ words from God In the OT, there were 3 ordained “offices”: prophet, priest and king In the OT, there were 3 ordained “offices”: prophet, priest and king in most cases, you only have one of each at a time. they do ministry to the people of God on God’s behalf in most cases, you only have one of each at a time. they do ministry to the people of God on God’s behalf the prophetic spoke the “very words of God”, and false prophets were to be punished by stoning (Deut ) the prophetic spoke the “very words of God”, and false prophets were to be punished by stoning (Deut ) In the NT, we are all participants in the kingdom (used 54x in Matt), are all priests (1 Pet 2.8-9) and can all prophesy (Acts 2.17ff). These gifts are diffused and distributed through the entire body of Christ but do not have the same authority as in the OT. In the NT, we are all participants in the kingdom (used 54x in Matt), are all priests (1 Pet 2.8-9) and can all prophesy (Acts 2.17ff). These gifts are diffused and distributed through the entire body of Christ but do not have the same authority as in the OT. Prophecy ≠ prophecy. The Word of God ≠ words from God Prophecy ≠ prophecy. The Word of God ≠ words from God In the OT, there were 3 ordained “offices”: prophet, priest and king In the OT, there were 3 ordained “offices”: prophet, priest and king in most cases, you only have one of each at a time. they do ministry to the people of God on God’s behalf in most cases, you only have one of each at a time. they do ministry to the people of God on God’s behalf the prophetic spoke the “very words of God”, and false prophets were to be punished by stoning (Deut ) the prophetic spoke the “very words of God”, and false prophets were to be punished by stoning (Deut ) In the NT, we are all participants in the kingdom (used 54x in Matt), are all priests (1 Pet 2.8-9) and can all prophesy (Acts 2.17ff). These gifts are diffused and distributed through the entire body of Christ but do not have the same authority as in the OT. In the NT, we are all participants in the kingdom (used 54x in Matt), are all priests (1 Pet 2.8-9) and can all prophesy (Acts 2.17ff). These gifts are diffused and distributed through the entire body of Christ but do not have the same authority as in the OT.

Listening Prayer Workshop How is Prophecy today different than in the Old Testament? NT Prophecies must be tested NT Prophecies must be tested I Cor 14.29Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. I Cor 14.29Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 1 Thess 5.19Do not put out the Spirit's fire; 20do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22Avoid every kind of evil. 1 Thess 5.19Do not put out the Spirit's fire; 20do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22Avoid every kind of evil. In the NT, not all prophecy was divinely authoritative In the NT, not all prophecy was divinely authoritative Acts wording makes this a more imprecise prophecy Acts wording makes this a more imprecise prophecy Acts no seeming action is taken to these prophetic words Acts no seeming action is taken to these prophetic words Acts Paul doesn’t obey the words of these prophets Acts Paul doesn’t obey the words of these prophets Acts Agabus’ prophecy is only generally correct (see Acs ) Acts Agabus’ prophecy is only generally correct (see Acs ) NT Prophecies must be tested NT Prophecies must be tested I Cor 14.29Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. I Cor 14.29Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 1 Thess 5.19Do not put out the Spirit's fire; 20do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22Avoid every kind of evil. 1 Thess 5.19Do not put out the Spirit's fire; 20do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22Avoid every kind of evil. In the NT, not all prophecy was divinely authoritative In the NT, not all prophecy was divinely authoritative Acts wording makes this a more imprecise prophecy Acts wording makes this a more imprecise prophecy Acts no seeming action is taken to these prophetic words Acts no seeming action is taken to these prophetic words Acts Paul doesn’t obey the words of these prophets Acts Paul doesn’t obey the words of these prophets Acts Agabus’ prophecy is only generally correct (see Acs ) Acts Agabus’ prophecy is only generally correct (see Acs )

Listening Prayer Workshop OT prophets were called and commissioned to speak “God’s very words”, which carried absolute, divine authority OT prophets were called and commissioned to speak “God’s very words”, which carried absolute, divine authority In the NT, only the apostles had the same authority to speak and write “God’s very words” In the NT, only the apostles had the same authority to speak and write “God’s very words” All other prophecy is speaking human words to report something God has spoken All other prophecy is speaking human words to report something God has spoken OT prophets were called and commissioned to speak “God’s very words”, which carried absolute, divine authority OT prophets were called and commissioned to speak “God’s very words”, which carried absolute, divine authority In the NT, only the apostles had the same authority to speak and write “God’s very words” In the NT, only the apostles had the same authority to speak and write “God’s very words” All other prophecy is speaking human words to report something God has spoken All other prophecy is speaking human words to report something God has spoken How is Prophecy today different than in the Old Testament? God’s Words Man’s Words Prophetic Words Prophetic Gifting Prophetic Ministry Prophetic Office God’s Very Words NT Scripture

Listening Prayer Workshop Within this framework, Paul exhorts us to seek the revelatory gifts, because they exalt God and edify the body Within this framework, Paul exhorts us to seek the revelatory gifts, because they exalt God and edify the body We only know in part and prophesy in part (1 Cor 13.9), but that’s ok. We seek God and participate in the revelatory process with a teachable and humble heart We only know in part and prophesy in part (1 Cor 13.9), but that’s ok. We seek God and participate in the revelatory process with a teachable and humble heart We all have a role to play... let’s become a church built on His Word and full of His words. We all have a role to play... let’s become a church built on His Word and full of His words. Within this framework, Paul exhorts us to seek the revelatory gifts, because they exalt God and edify the body Within this framework, Paul exhorts us to seek the revelatory gifts, because they exalt God and edify the body We only know in part and prophesy in part (1 Cor 13.9), but that’s ok. We seek God and participate in the revelatory process with a teachable and humble heart We only know in part and prophesy in part (1 Cor 13.9), but that’s ok. We seek God and participate in the revelatory process with a teachable and humble heart We all have a role to play... let’s become a church built on His Word and full of His words. We all have a role to play... let’s become a church built on His Word and full of His words. What Does This Mean for Us Today? God’s Words Man’s Words Prophetic Words Prophetic Gifting Prophetic Ministry Prophetic Office God’s Very Words NT Scripture

The Foundation for Hearing God

Listening Prayer Workshop The Foundation for A Listening Community Theologically: God still speaks Experientially: He Wants to Speak to and through Us! let’s not be discouraged if it takes us time to learn let’s not be turned off by the excesses, abuses or mistakes of others God’s intention is for us to become a listening community, one that hears from God for others and from others For the strengthening, encouragement and comfort of others (I Cor 14.3) So unbelievers will experience God’s presence (I Cor ) Theologically: God still speaks Experientially: He Wants to Speak to and through Us! let’s not be discouraged if it takes us time to learn let’s not be turned off by the excesses, abuses or mistakes of others God’s intention is for us to become a listening community, one that hears from God for others and from others For the strengthening, encouragement and comfort of others (I Cor 14.3) So unbelievers will experience God’s presence (I Cor )

Listening Prayer Workshop God Speaks By His Word “The first and foremost way that God speaks is through the Scriptures … Any discussion concerning the means by which God makes Himself known must therefore begin with the Bible as a matter of priority, for it alone stands as the final authority on all revelation. The Bible is our highest court of appeals on all matters of faith and doctrine. There is no oracle, vision or any other thing that man claims as being from God which stands above or apart from the Bible or is unanswerable to its sovereign scrutiny. All other means through which God may speak must themselves align perfectly with what the Bible says, or we must dismiss them forthrightly as not being from the Lord.” (James Ryle, Hippo in the Garden, pp70-71) ) “The first and foremost way that God speaks is through the Scriptures … Any discussion concerning the means by which God makes Himself known must therefore begin with the Bible as a matter of priority, for it alone stands as the final authority on all revelation. The Bible is our highest court of appeals on all matters of faith and doctrine. There is no oracle, vision or any other thing that man claims as being from God which stands above or apart from the Bible or is unanswerable to its sovereign scrutiny. All other means through which God may speak must themselves align perfectly with what the Bible says, or we must dismiss them forthrightly as not being from the Lord.” (James Ryle, Hippo in the Garden, pp70-71) )

Listening Prayer Workshop God Speaks By His Word It’s not just academic knowledge of the Bible, but a personal relationship with Jesus that’s key! It’s not just academic knowledge of the Bible, but a personal relationship with Jesus that’s key! “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life” (John ) “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life” (John ) The written Word of God is the foundation for receiving prophetic words from God The written Word of God is the foundation for receiving prophetic words from God General revelation is the foundation for specific revelation General revelation is the foundation for specific revelation The importance of obedience The importance of obedience Biblical Examples: Biblical Examples: Jesus (Luke ); People at Pentecost (Acts ) Jesus (Luke ); People at Pentecost (Acts ) It’s not just academic knowledge of the Bible, but a personal relationship with Jesus that’s key! It’s not just academic knowledge of the Bible, but a personal relationship with Jesus that’s key! “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life” (John ) “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life” (John ) The written Word of God is the foundation for receiving prophetic words from God The written Word of God is the foundation for receiving prophetic words from God General revelation is the foundation for specific revelation General revelation is the foundation for specific revelation The importance of obedience The importance of obedience Biblical Examples: Biblical Examples: Jesus (Luke ); People at Pentecost (Acts ) Jesus (Luke ); People at Pentecost (Acts )

Listening Prayer Workshop God Speaks Prophetically to Individuals This can come by a number of different means This can come by a number of different means

Listening Prayer Workshop Ways God Speaks to Us Joy Dawson Forever Ruined for the Ordinary, pp43-88 Through His Word 1. Through His Word (Ps , 133) Through What We See: 2. Visions (Acts 10.33) 3. Dreams (Job ) 4. Angels (Gen ) 5. Writing with His Finger (Ex 31.18; Dan 5.24) 6. Rainbows (Gen ) 7. Creation (Psalm ; Rom 1.20) 8. Pillar of fire and cloud (Ex 13.21) 9. Consuming Fire (Ex 24.17) 10. Supernatural Signs (Is 38; 1 sam ; Judges 6-7) 11. Circumstances (Num 22) 12. Urim and Thummim – (Ex 28.30; Num 27.21) 13. Casting Lots (Josh ; Acts ) Through His Word 1. Through His Word (Ps , 133) Through What We See: 2. Visions (Acts 10.33) 3. Dreams (Job ) 4. Angels (Gen ) 5. Writing with His Finger (Ex 31.18; Dan 5.24) 6. Rainbows (Gen ) 7. Creation (Psalm ; Rom 1.20) 8. Pillar of fire and cloud (Ex 13.21) 9. Consuming Fire (Ex 24.17) 10. Supernatural Signs (Is 38; 1 sam ; Judges 6-7) 11. Circumstances (Num 22) 12. Urim and Thummim – (Ex 28.30; Num 27.21) 13. Casting Lots (Josh ; Acts ) Through Our Hearing 14. Direct conversation into our minds (John 10.27; Heb 11.6; John 10.34) 15. Audible Voice (Acts 9.4-6) 16. Revelatory Gifts of the Holy Spirit (I Cor ; 2 Kings ; Acts 5) 17. Music and Poetry (book of Psalms) 18. Other people (I Sam 25; 2 Sam ) 19. Animals (Num ) 20. Testimonies (John ; John ) Through Impressions to our Spirits 21. Strong conviction and peace (see 8 Steps) 22. Promptings of the Holy Spirit 23. Constraint or restraints of the Holy Spirit (Acts ) 24. By God’s Physical Touch 25. By Impressions or our Senses Through Our Hearing 14. Direct conversation into our minds (John 10.27; Heb 11.6; John 10.34) 15. Audible Voice (Acts 9.4-6) 16. Revelatory Gifts of the Holy Spirit (I Cor ; 2 Kings ; Acts 5) 17. Music and Poetry (book of Psalms) 18. Other people (I Sam 25; 2 Sam ) 19. Animals (Num ) 20. Testimonies (John ; John ) Through Impressions to our Spirits 21. Strong conviction and peace (see 8 Steps) 22. Promptings of the Holy Spirit 23. Constraint or restraints of the Holy Spirit (Acts ) 24. By God’s Physical Touch 25. By Impressions or our Senses

Listening Prayer Workshop God Speaks Prophetically to Individuals This can come by a number of different means. God speaks to people differently from each other and differently at different points in time. We want to cultivate a sensitivity to God to know how He is speaking to us. This can come by a number of different means. God speaks to people differently from each other and differently at different points in time. We want to cultivate a sensitivity to God to know how He is speaking to us. Biblical examples: Ananias (Acts 9); Samuel and Saul (I Sam , fulfilled in vv9-11) Biblical examples: Ananias (Acts 9); Samuel and Saul (I Sam , fulfilled in vv9-11) This can come by a number of different means. God speaks to people differently from each other and differently at different points in time. We want to cultivate a sensitivity to God to know how He is speaking to us. This can come by a number of different means. God speaks to people differently from each other and differently at different points in time. We want to cultivate a sensitivity to God to know how He is speaking to us. Biblical examples: Ananias (Acts 9); Samuel and Saul (I Sam , fulfilled in vv9-11) Biblical examples: Ananias (Acts 9); Samuel and Saul (I Sam , fulfilled in vv9-11) God Speaks Through Dreams and Visions Biblical examples: Gen 15.1; Matt ; Joseph; Daniel; Gen ; Matt Note: dreams and visions need to be “decoded” (Num )

Listening Prayer Workshop “Face Time” ✴ Deepening a Relationship of Intimacy with God ✴ Exodus ✴ Psalm 5.3 ✴ If you want to put God first in my life, put him first in your schedule ✴ not out of duty, but out of desire for intimacy ✴ Elements ✴ worship - love songs ✴ Word - foundation and grounding ✴ prayer - dialogue (Hab 2.1-2) ✴ Deepening a Relationship of Intimacy with God ✴ Exodus ✴ Psalm 5.3 ✴ If you want to put God first in my life, put him first in your schedule ✴ not out of duty, but out of desire for intimacy ✴ Elements ✴ worship - love songs ✴ Word - foundation and grounding ✴ prayer - dialogue (Hab 2.1-2)

Listening Prayer Workshop Face Time Worship Worship love songs and prayer set to music love songs and prayer set to music Word Word ask “what are you saying to me, Lord?” ask “what are you saying to me, Lord?” “what am i to change in my attitude or do in response to this word?” “what am i to change in my attitude or do in response to this word?” Prayer Dialogue Prayer Dialogue Worship Worship love songs and prayer set to music love songs and prayer set to music Word Word ask “what are you saying to me, Lord?” ask “what are you saying to me, Lord?” “what am i to change in my attitude or do in response to this word?” “what am i to change in my attitude or do in response to this word?” Prayer Dialogue Prayer Dialogue

Listening Prayer Workshop Eight Steps for Hearing God’s Voice

Listening Prayer Workshop Ministry Time Repent Repent In my theology or in my praxis, I’ve not really believed God would speak to me. Forgive me, Lord. In my theology or in my praxis, I’ve not really believed God would speak to me. Forgive me, Lord. God, I haven’t really made time to let you speak to me God, I haven’t really made time to let you speak to me Healing from Things Which Block My Seeking Process Healing from Things Which Block My Seeking Process I need healing from abusive or manipulative leadership I need healing from abusive or manipulative leadership I need healing from disappointments I’ve experienced in my relationship from God I need healing from disappointments I’ve experienced in my relationship from God Ministry Ministry Holy Spirit, I need more of you. Holy Spirit, I need more of you. Holy Spirit, grant me revelatory gifts so others may be edified Holy Spirit, grant me revelatory gifts so others may be edified Repent Repent In my theology or in my praxis, I’ve not really believed God would speak to me. Forgive me, Lord. In my theology or in my praxis, I’ve not really believed God would speak to me. Forgive me, Lord. God, I haven’t really made time to let you speak to me God, I haven’t really made time to let you speak to me Healing from Things Which Block My Seeking Process Healing from Things Which Block My Seeking Process I need healing from abusive or manipulative leadership I need healing from abusive or manipulative leadership I need healing from disappointments I’ve experienced in my relationship from God I need healing from disappointments I’ve experienced in my relationship from God Ministry Ministry Holy Spirit, I need more of you. Holy Spirit, I need more of you. Holy Spirit, grant me revelatory gifts so others may be edified Holy Spirit, grant me revelatory gifts so others may be edified

Listening Prayer Workshop 8 Steps for Hearing God’s Voice 1. Clean Heart Principle Start with a clean slate Start with a clean slate 2. Acknowledge our Dependence on the Holy Spirit Hearing from God is a grace from God. We let go of control. Hearing from God is a grace from God. We let go of control. 3. Die to our own stuff - this is clearing out our own voice Reasoning - the way we think things will or should work Reasoning - the way we think things will or should work Imagination - our fantasy, dreams or ideals of what should take place or the manner in which things “should” happen Imagination - our fantasy, dreams or ideals of what should take place or the manner in which things “should” happen Desires -what we want to see happen Desires -what we want to see happen Burdens - what’s troubling us Burdens - what’s troubling us 4. Silence the Enemy’s Voice this is clearing out Satan’s voice this is clearing out Satan’s voice 1. Clean Heart Principle Start with a clean slate Start with a clean slate 2. Acknowledge our Dependence on the Holy Spirit Hearing from God is a grace from God. We let go of control. Hearing from God is a grace from God. We let go of control. 3. Die to our own stuff - this is clearing out our own voice Reasoning - the way we think things will or should work Reasoning - the way we think things will or should work Imagination - our fantasy, dreams or ideals of what should take place or the manner in which things “should” happen Imagination - our fantasy, dreams or ideals of what should take place or the manner in which things “should” happen Desires -what we want to see happen Desires -what we want to see happen Burdens - what’s troubling us Burdens - what’s troubling us 4. Silence the Enemy’s Voice this is clearing out Satan’s voice this is clearing out Satan’s voice

Listening Prayer Workshop 8 Steps for Hearing God’s Voice 5. Fear of the Lord 5. Fear of the Lord acknowledge our Lordship to Jesus acknowledge our Lordship to Jesus 6. Praise Him by Faith for Speaking to Us 6. Praise Him by Faith for Speaking to Us an act of faith on our part an act of faith on our part 7. Wait before God - 7. Wait before God - start by journaling our prayers start by journaling our prayers 8. Take Action - 8. Take Action - listen and obey! listen and obey! get corproate discernment when we’re starting, especially on big things get corproate discernment when we’re starting, especially on big things 5. Fear of the Lord 5. Fear of the Lord acknowledge our Lordship to Jesus acknowledge our Lordship to Jesus 6. Praise Him by Faith for Speaking to Us 6. Praise Him by Faith for Speaking to Us an act of faith on our part an act of faith on our part 7. Wait before God - 7. Wait before God - start by journaling our prayers start by journaling our prayers 8. Take Action - 8. Take Action - listen and obey! listen and obey! get corproate discernment when we’re starting, especially on big things get corproate discernment when we’re starting, especially on big things

Listening Prayer Workshop Ministry Time Repent Repent In my theology or in my praxis, I’ve not really believed God would speak to me. Forgive me, Lord. In my theology or in my praxis, I’ve not really believed God would speak to me. Forgive me, Lord. Healing from Things Which Block My Seeking Process Healing from Things Which Block My Seeking Process I need healing from abusive or manipulative leadership I need healing from abusive or manipulative leadership I need healing from disappointments I’ve experienced in my relationship from God I need healing from disappointments I’ve experienced in my relationship from God Ministry Ministry Holy Spirit, I need more of you. Holy Spirit, I need more of you. Holy Spirit, grant me revelatory gifts so others may be edified Holy Spirit, grant me revelatory gifts so others may be edified Repent Repent In my theology or in my praxis, I’ve not really believed God would speak to me. Forgive me, Lord. In my theology or in my praxis, I’ve not really believed God would speak to me. Forgive me, Lord. Healing from Things Which Block My Seeking Process Healing from Things Which Block My Seeking Process I need healing from abusive or manipulative leadership I need healing from abusive or manipulative leadership I need healing from disappointments I’ve experienced in my relationship from God I need healing from disappointments I’ve experienced in my relationship from God Ministry Ministry Holy Spirit, I need more of you. Holy Spirit, I need more of you. Holy Spirit, grant me revelatory gifts so others may be edified Holy Spirit, grant me revelatory gifts so others may be edified

Listening Prayer Workshop Listening to God Prophecy, Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge and Interpretation of Tongues

Listening Prayer Workshop The Foundation for A Listening Community ✴ God speaks to people through people for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort ✴ God speaks differently from one person to another ✴ The security of discerning a prophetic word from God comes in a house whose foundation is the study of and obedience to the written Word of God ✴ listening to God is absolutely crucial to the life of a Christian, but it is not a shortcut or substitute for discipleship (face time, accountability, integrity, etc.) ✴ God speaks to people through people for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort ✴ God speaks differently from one person to another ✴ The security of discerning a prophetic word from God comes in a house whose foundation is the study of and obedience to the written Word of God ✴ listening to God is absolutely crucial to the life of a Christian, but it is not a shortcut or substitute for discipleship (face time, accountability, integrity, etc.)

Listening Prayer Workshop RIA: Revelation - Interpretation - Application ✴ Hearing from God is a three-step process ✴ Revelation - what is said ✴ Interpretation - what it means ✴ Application - what we do about it ✴ see Acts for a helpful example ✴ We need God’s help in all three ✴ Hearing from God is a three-step process ✴ Revelation - what is said ✴ Interpretation - what it means ✴ Application - what we do about it ✴ see Acts for a helpful example ✴ We need God’s help in all three

Listening Prayer Workshop Discerning a word you have heard from someone ✴ Is what is sharing scriptural? ✴ Does it display the character of Christ? ✴ Is anything in the giver’s heart tanting the word (judgmental? critical? any of their own stuff?) ✴ What is the fruit in the life of the person giving the prophecy? ✴ Is the Holy Spirit giving me an “inward witness”? ✴ Does this line up with other things I have heard from God directly and through my community? ✴ Is what is sharing scriptural? ✴ Does it display the character of Christ? ✴ Is anything in the giver’s heart tanting the word (judgmental? critical? any of their own stuff?) ✴ What is the fruit in the life of the person giving the prophecy? ✴ Is the Holy Spirit giving me an “inward witness”? ✴ Does this line up with other things I have heard from God directly and through my community?

Listening Prayer Workshop Responding to a word you’ve heard from someone ✴ Tape the word or write it down, in as much detail as you can ✴ Share it with someone you respect as an “elder” in the Spirit. This includes the interpretation and application process. ✴ Be careful not to interpret the word in the light of your wants and desires ✴ Does this make sense in light of what I already know? Is it consistent with what God has already said to me about my life? Is it consistent with what God has already said to me about my life? How will this affect my current responsibililities? How will this affect my current responsibililities? Have I reached a maturity level that will enable me to do these new things with integrity, or will I not be able to sustain them because I have not been properly prepared? Have I reached a maturity level that will enable me to do these new things with integrity, or will I not be able to sustain them because I have not been properly prepared? Do others witness to this word, especially those in spiritual authority over me? Do others witness to this word, especially those in spiritual authority over me? Believe God to fulfill His words in His own time and way Believe God to fulfill His words in His own time and way ✴ Tape the word or write it down, in as much detail as you can ✴ Share it with someone you respect as an “elder” in the Spirit. This includes the interpretation and application process. ✴ Be careful not to interpret the word in the light of your wants and desires ✴ Does this make sense in light of what I already know? Is it consistent with what God has already said to me about my life? Is it consistent with what God has already said to me about my life? How will this affect my current responsibililities? How will this affect my current responsibililities? Have I reached a maturity level that will enable me to do these new things with integrity, or will I not be able to sustain them because I have not been properly prepared? Have I reached a maturity level that will enable me to do these new things with integrity, or will I not be able to sustain them because I have not been properly prepared? Do others witness to this word, especially those in spiritual authority over me? Do others witness to this word, especially those in spiritual authority over me? Believe God to fulfill His words in His own time and way Believe God to fulfill His words in His own time and way

Listening Prayer Workshop Giving a word you think you’ve heard to someone ✴ General Principles ✴ Be natural. Don’t over-spiritualize. ✴ “As I was praying, I think i heard this from God. Why don’t you take it home and pray over it and see what God confirms?” ✴ When we’re beginning, we should be very careful and tentative about “directional prophecy” (dates, mates and babies). ✴ For Corporate Words ✴ In Corinth, only 2-3 people at a time were to address the congregation corporately. ✴ If you feel you have a word for the community, speak to your life group leader, cluster leader or me. It’s our job to help in the “RIA” process ✴ General Principles ✴ Be natural. Don’t over-spiritualize. ✴ “As I was praying, I think i heard this from God. Why don’t you take it home and pray over it and see what God confirms?” ✴ When we’re beginning, we should be very careful and tentative about “directional prophecy” (dates, mates and babies). ✴ For Corporate Words ✴ In Corinth, only 2-3 people at a time were to address the congregation corporately. ✴ If you feel you have a word for the community, speak to your life group leader, cluster leader or me. It’s our job to help in the “RIA” process