In this teaching, Dr. Charles Stanley invites listeners to ask a simple but profound question: how do we learn to hear God?

Why Listening Matters

Dr. Stanley begins by noting that the ability to hear God is not a matter of natural talent or emotional sensitivity; it is a gift that comes through the indwelling Holy Spirit. He emphasizes that, for believers, the Spirit is the true “ear” that receives God’s voice.

Three Ways God Communicates

He outlines the primary channels through which God speaks: the written Word, the counsel of other people, and the circumstances that surround us. Each channel requires a different kind of attention, but all are meant to guide decisions and bring peace amid life’s noise.

Building a Listening Spirit

To cultivate a heart that listens, Dr. Stanley offers a practical framework. First, he stresses the importance of making listening a priority, pursuing it with intentional study, persisting through seasons of quiet, and praying for the Spirit’s guidance. Second, he describes five character traits that shape a receptive spirit: teachable, attentive, humble, submissive, and expectant. These qualities help believers open themselves to God’s direction and respond faithfully.

By exploring Scripture, listening to others, and observing God’s hand in everyday situations, listeners are encouraged to develop a disciplined, Spirit‑guided listening habit that can transform decision‑making and deepen their relationship with God.

For a fuller exploration of these ideas, tune in to the complete audio.