How Do You Hear God?

By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB

When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, a voice came out of the heavens saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Recently I heard a number of voices saying that on YouTube, as I looked for videos to help teach my students about Jesus’ baptism.

Some voices were booming, some quiet. Some came out of the sky, and one had John hearing the voice and repeating what he heard to others.

It made me think of the different ways we all hear God’s voice.

Some may hear an encouraging voice that is really delivered through friends and family (maybe like John).

Others may hear a loud voice that wakes them up, even literally.

Others may hear a whisper in the silence of prayer that is nestled deep in their heart.

I’ve never heard a booming voice, either from a cloud or in my dreams. (Not that I didn’t wish for one at times.)

For me, the voice of God has either come through other people, or in the soft whisper that plants ideas in our minds and hearts.

How do you hear God?