How to Hear God Clearly
“One day as they were worshiping God, they were also fasting as they waited for guidance. The Holy Spirit spoke...” Acts 13:2 (MSG)
We often look for a formula to hear from God. But what we find in Acts 13:2 isn’t a formula. It’s a posture.
Before the Holy Spirit gave clear direction, they were already doing three key things: worshiping, fasting, and waiting.
They didn’t start seeking God once the opportunity came.
They were already in rhythm with Him.
Too many times, we flip the script.
We go, then pray.
We decide, then ask for wisdom.
We post, plan, or promote and then hope God blesses it.
But these early believers show us a better way.
They weren’t sitting around doing nothing. They were actively creating space for God to speak.
And when He did, they were ready.
A couple of years ago, I was wrestling with a big decision. I had a chance to step into something new, something that looked like an open door. Naturally, I started strategizing, brainstorming, and even talking to others about it. But deep down, I hadn’t actually paused to ask God.
One morning, I felt a gentle nudge. You haven’t brought this to Me.
That morning, I stopped everything. I turned on worship, opened my Bible, and just sat with Him. Over the next few days, I decided to fast. Not for an answer, but for alignment. And as I waited, His clarity came.
What I thought was an open door was actually a distraction. And I was so thankful I didn’t rush ahead.
That experience taught me that when you start from a place of worship, fasting, and waiting, you won’t miss His voice.
There’s no magic formula to hearing God’s voice, but there are ingredients that prepare your heart for clarity:
Worship aligns your focus with who God is.
When you worship, you're reminding your soul of who’s really in control. It shifts your attention from what’s in front of you to the One who is above it all.
Worship isn’t just singing. It’s surrender. It’s declaring with your actions and attitude that God is worthy of your attention, affection, and obedience.
In a world full of distractions and demands, worship clears the fog and brings your eyes back to Him. It centers your heart on His character, not just your circumstances.Fasting silences the noise and awakens your dependence.
Fasting isn’t about getting God’s attention. It’s about giving Him yours.
It creates intentional space in your life by removing the distractions that normally numb or clutter your spirit. Whether it's food, social media, or comfort, fasting tells your flesh, “You’re not in charge.”
And as the cravings surface, so does your deeper need for God.
It’s in the emptiness that you discover just how full His presence really is.Waiting teaches you to trust His timing.
Waiting isn’t passive. It’s faith in action.
It’s saying, “God, I believe You know when, where, and how better than I do.”
Most of us don’t struggle with believing God can. We struggle with when He will.
But waiting shapes our character. It slows us down enough to hear His whispers, trust His pace, and release our timelines.
In the waiting, we’re not just learning patience. We’re learning dependence.
These three ingredients: worship, fasting, and waiting, put your heart in the right position to hear clearly from God.
So before you ask for direction, make space for connection.
Let this prayer guide you there.
God, I don’t want to move before You speak. Help me to live in a posture of worship, fasting, and waiting so when You call, I’m ready. Teach me to seek Your presence, not just Your direction. Amen.
Make It Personal:
When was the last time I paused to truly seek God before making a decision?
Which of the three: worship, fasting, or waiting, do I tend to skip or struggle with most?
What’s one intentional step I can take this week to create space to hear God more clearly?
