Learning to identify God’s action takes practice—but when we do, it opens us up to new ways of seeing, living, and being. And once we see what God’s up to, we might just discover that we’re being called to join in!
Why don’t you give it a try? Here are five simple practices you can do, either by yourself or with others, to listen for God in your daily life. These practices are adapted from pastor and Luther Seminary adjunct professor Michael Binder’s course, God’s Mission—Biblical and Theological Explorations.
Practice 1: Go on a God Walk – Go on a 20-25 minute walk around the neighborhood near where you work or live. Pay attention to anything you think might indicate God’s presence or activity. Take a picture (if appropriate) of any of these “God sightings.” Pause twice on your walk to pray out loud for the neighbors/neighborhood.
Practice 2: Finding God at the Coffee Shop – Go to a coffee shop and spend 20-25 minutes there. Notice everything you can—what people are there, who is working, what kinds of advertisements are up, etc. Are there any clues to things you think God may care about in this environment? If so, what makes you think that?
Practice 3: Street Corner Prayer – Go out to the street corner and ask people who come by if there is anything they want prayer for. Pay attention to their reactions. Pray for anyone who is willing.
Practice 4: Interview Someone – Invite someone to tell you about a time when they have experienced significant spiritual growth in their lives. Here are some questions to get you started:
- Reflect on a time when you would say you grew spiritually in a significant way. Describe what was happening in that period of your life.
- What was it about this time of your life that you think caused you to grow spiritually?
- Was there something during this time of your life that you think God was trying to teach you or show you?
- Where do you experience God’s presence most often now?
Practice 5: Make a Neighborhood Map – Draw a map of your neighborhood. What organizations are around? What are they focused on (e.g. businesses, schools, non-profits/NGOs, etc.)? Are there any clues about what God might be doing through these organizations? What are they?