The church is still in her early days. Jesus has only recently died and risen again, and the world for many in Jerusalem and the surrounding area has been turned upside down. Conflict, confusion, excitement, and expectations swirl as people from a vast spectrum of life are coming into contact with the Spirit accompanied followers of Jesus. Anger, fear, and violence are as common as joy, freedom, and praise among those walking the newly birthed—yet ancient path—known as “the Way.” It is in such a setting that the stories of four individual experiences of Hearing God are found in Acts chapters 9 and 10.
Saul, the “church persecuting” Jew who is soon to become Paul, encounters Jesus and finds a calling, and blindness. Ananias, whose lone appearance in the story of the early church is here, is fearful but bold. Cornelius is a Gentile who “feared God,” and apparently encouraged other non-Jews to do so as well. He hears and is hopeful. Peter, that same disciple who walked with Jesus on water, denied him, and was restored—he hears and is, per usual, confused.
All four men are wide awake when they experience their voiced visions, so all their senses and their reason are in full use. All four characters are spoken to and speak back. All four figures are given instructions, counsel, and guidance in their divine conversations. And all four respond with different emotions but similar actions: obedience.
We have a lot to learn from these four encounters as we cultivate competency and confidence in hearing God ourselves. And what we have to learn will come as we immerse ourselves into the stories realistically—recognizing in these stories that the participants are real people who lived through those experiences feeling very much the same as we would have if we had been in their place.
So, take the time to meditate on each story individually using the instructions below. Put yourself in the story as the main character. Let yourself imagine the experience happening to you, a real human who is really hearing God.
Preparation:
IMPORTANT: Try to make sure you have at least 20 minutes of uninterrupted time for this practice. Be realistic and honest about how much space and stamina you have for the quiet components. Some of us will welcome stillness and silence, but most of us will likely struggle to get through even 3-5 minutes of silence—and that is okay! Arrange whatever time you think reasonable (suggested times are provided), and set a timer, it helps. Get into a comfortable position but not too comfortable, so you don’t fall asleep.
Practice:
READ
Select and read one of the following passages. Then set aside a time a day or two from now to repeat the process until you’ve worked through all four.
Saul | Acts 9:1-9, 17-19
Ananias | Acts 9:10-19
Cornelius | Acts 10:1-8, 24-33
Peter | Acts 10:9-33
Now that you are familiar with the context and words, close your eyes and take three deep breaths. As you breathe in, pray “Holy Spirit… and as you breathe out, pray, “…Give me ears to hear.” Ask God to give you an openness to hear whatever the Spirit wishes to bring to you today.
If (when!) your thoughts wander in the stillness, breathe the centering prayer to quiet your mind. Focus on your breaths as you envision breathing in God’s presence.
Now, reread the passage slowly, immersing yourself in that particular encounter. Remember, those who lived this experience felt very much as you would if you had been in their place. As you read,
Think about how the main character is described. Who are they? What do you know of their character, values, connections, etc. from the passage? What are they doing when they hear God?
Listen for a word or phrase or a detail in the story that stands out to you. Don’t choose this yourself, let the Spirit bring it to your mind.
Give yourself 2-3 minutes to ponder the questions and listen quietly.
REFLECT
As you reflect on the passage, consider the following:
How does it feel to be this person? What draws you into the encounter? What are you thinking or feeling about God and Jesus as you imagine yourself in their shoes?
The word or phrase that stood out to you. Why do you think these words resonated with you?
Give yourself 3-5 minutes to ponder all this. Then, ask God, “How does this connect with my life today? What do I need to know or be or do?”
RESPOND
Read the passage one last time, preparing yourself for what you want to say to God about what you think the Spirit might have spoken to you or what came to you as you imagined being in the story.
Pray whatever you need to pray. You might thank God for something or confess to God something or ask God for something.
Give yourself 2-3 minutes to respond.
REST
Do as you are led for the last 5 minutes. You may wish to wait quietly on God—to simply be with Jesus. You may want to pay attention to God, pondering a little longer how the character conversed with and responded to hearing God. Consider what in this story makes you want to worship Jesus, or at least be with him. Sit in the companionship of Jesus—the one who speaks life.