Hearing God: Ananias, Prayer, and Your Conversation with the Almighty - Sowing Seeds of Hope: Farm-Based Youth Development.

Have you ever thought about prayer? Maybe it feels like a list of things you want, a quick “thank you” before a meal, or perhaps something a bit formal and, well, one-sided. But what if prayer could be more? What if it could be a real connection, a genuine conversation? It’s natural to wonder if God actually talks back—not just in a general feeling, but in a way that feels like a real exchange. The story of Ananias in the Bible offers a fascinating glimpse into this very idea, showing a man who had an incredible, direct conversation with God. This account can help us understand that prayer is meant to be a dynamic, two-way street, a true communion where we speak to God and He also speaks to us. Often, prayer can be approached as a transaction: we present our requests and hope God delivers. However, a deeper understanding reveals prayer as relational, a way to build a friendship with God, moving beyond just our desires to truly connect with His heart. Ananias’s experience, while dramatic, opens the door for us to explore how we too can cultivate a listening heart and engage in our own conversations with the Creator.

Ananias’s Unbelievable Phone Call: A Look at Acts 9:10-20

The story of Ananias in Acts chapter 9 is a powerful example of God intervening in human history and an individual believer having a direct, conversational encounter with the Lord. It’s a pivotal moment, not just for Ananias or Saul of Tarsus, but for the entire early Christian church.

Setting the Scene – A Disciple Named Ananias

In the bustling city of Damascus, a significant distance from Jerusalem, lived a man named Ananias. The Bible describes him simply as “a certain disciple”. He wasn’t one of the original twelve apostles or a prominent leader whose name echoed through the early church. He was, by all accounts, an ordinary follower of Jesus, known for his devout faith and obedience. This is an important detail because it shows that God can and does choose to communicate with and use any believer who is open to Him, not just those in “official” leadership positions. Ananias was living his life, likely aware of the growing persecution against Christians, when God decided to bring him into an extraordinary divine appointment.

God’s Vision: “Ananias!” – The Lord Initiates Contact (Acts 9:10-12)

The narrative tells us that “the Lord said to him in a vision, ‘Ananias!'”. It’s crucial to note that God initiated this contact. Ananias wasn’t necessarily in a special prayer meeting, fasting for days, or seeking a divine revelation about Saul of Tarsus. God reached out to him. This can be incredibly encouraging, especially for those who might feel they don’t know “how” to start a conversation with God, or worry they aren’t “spiritual enough” to hear from Him. God, in His sovereignty and love, often takes the first step.

Ananias’s response was immediate and reverent: “Behold, I am here, Lord”. This reply, similar to those of other great figures in Scripture like Samuel, indicates a heart that was already attentive to God, a posture of readiness and willingness to listen.

God then gave Ananias very specific instructions. This wasn’t a vague feeling or a general prompting; it was a clear directive. He was told to “arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight” (Acts 9:11-12, NKJV). The level of detail is striking: the name of the street, the owner of the house, the name of the person to find, what that person (Saul) was currently doing (praying), and even that Saul had also received a vision preparing him for Ananias’s arrival. This specificity underscores God’s intimate knowledge of every detail and His meticulous orchestration of events. While believers today may not always receive instructions with such precise geographical coordinates, the principle remains: God is involved in the details of His plans and our lives, and He can guide with remarkable clarity when needed.

Ananias’s Honest Reply: “But Lord, This is SAUL!” (Acts 9:13-14)

Faced with this divine command, Ananias didn’t just offer a passive, unquestioning “yes.” His response was deeply human and understandable. He essentially said, “Lord, are you sure you’ve got the right guy? Do you know who this Saul is?” Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name” (Acts 9:13-14, NKJV).

Ananias was well aware of Saul’s terrifying reputation as a violent persecutor of Christians. News of Saul’s campaign against the church had clearly reached Damascus. Ananias’s hesitation wasn’t born out of rebellion, but out of legitimate fear and a protective concern for himself and his fellow believers. Some might interpret this as Ananias thinking he knew better than God, or that God was somehow uninformed about Saul’s activities. However, it’s more accurately seen as an honest expression of fear and a plea for understanding.

This part of the conversation is vital because it normalises the experience of having questions, doubts, and fears when faced with God’s call. Ananias’s honesty doesn’t derail the conversation or incur God’s wrath. Instead, it opens the door for God to provide reassurance. It shows that prayer isn’t just about polite requests or stoic acceptance; it can involve wrestling, questioning, and laying bare our raw emotions and anxieties before a God who is big enough to handle them. This makes prayer a safe space for vulnerability, which is essential for any genuine relationship.

God’s Reassurance: “Go, I Have a Special Plan for Him.” (Acts 9:15-16)

God’s response to Ananias’s apprehension was not a rebuke, but a gentle yet firm reassurance, coupled with a revelation of His higher purpose. “But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake'” (Acts 9:15-16, NKJV).

God didn’t dismiss Ananias’s concerns but addressed them by revealing a perspective Ananias couldn’t have known. Saul, the feared persecutor, was, in God’s sovereign plan, a “chosen instrument”. This divine declaration highlighted God’s power to transform even the most hardened opponent into a key player for His kingdom. The reassurance often involves God showing us a bigger picture that we can’t initially see from our limited vantage point. This encourages trust even when circumstances are confusing or frightening.

Furthermore, the revelation that Saul, the one inflicting suffering, would himself suffer for the name of Jesus was a profound irony and a powerful testament to the depth of the transformation God intended. This detail might have been particularly impactful for Ananias, signalling that something truly radical and unprecedented was unfolding, making it easier for him to overcome his fear. It underscores the truth that no one is beyond God’s reach for redemption and repurposing.

Faith in Action: Ananias Obeys (Acts 9:17-19a)

Despite his initial, very understandable fear, Ananias obeyed. “And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit'” (Acts 9:17, NKJV).

His obedience was marked by an extraordinary act of grace: addressing the church’s chief persecutor as “Brother Saul”. This greeting was not just a formality. It was a profound statement of acceptance, forgiveness, and recognition of the new spiritual reality that God was bringing about in Saul’s life, even before Saul had done anything to “prove” his conversion. It was a beautiful demonstration of the Gospel’s power to break down walls and create new family bonds. Immediately, “something like scales fell from his eyes, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptised” (Acts 9:18, NKJV).

What This Teaches Us About Listening and Obedience

Ananias’s encounter is rich with lessons. It shows that God can, and sometimes does, speak very directly and specifically. True listening involves not just hearing words but being open and responsive, even when the message is challenging. It also affirms that honesty with God, including expressing our fears and doubts, is a valid part of a prayerful relationship.

Ultimately, Ananias’s story is a powerful testament to obedience. Even with fear in his heart, he chose to trust God’s word over his own understanding and experience. This obedience was not a minor act; it was instrumental in launching the ministry of the Apostle Paul, who would take the Gospel to the Gentile world. It highlights a profound truth: God often uses ordinary people, like Ananias, to accomplish extraordinary things. Our willingness to listen and obey, even when afraid or uncertain, can position us to be part of God’s amazing work in the world. The greeting “Brother Saul” serves as a lasting reminder of the radical grace that should characterise Christian community, extending welcome and fellowship even to those who were once enemies, recognising the transformative power of God’s new creation in Christ.

So, Can I Have a Conversation with God?

After hearing about Ananias’s incredible experience, it’s natural to wonder: “Can I have a conversation with God like that? Does God still speak to people today, especially to people like me?” The answer is a resounding yes, though it might look different from Ananias’s specific vision.

God Still Speaks Today!

The Bible is filled with accounts of God communicating with people in various ways. Scripture makes it clear that God loves to talk with His children; He is not a distant, silent deity. The fundamental question isn’t if God speaks, but rather how we learn to listen and recognise His voice. God desires a relationship with each person, and communication is the lifeblood of any relationship.

How Does God Usually Communicate?

While dramatic visions like Ananias’s are not the everyday experience for most believers, God has many ways He communicates His will and heart to His followers. Understanding these more common avenues is key to cultivating a conversational relationship with Him.

The Bible: This is God’s primary and most authoritative way of speaking to us. The Scriptures are “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12), filled with His truth, promises, commands, and wisdom. As we read and meditate on His Word, God illuminates its meaning and applies it to our lives.
The Holy Spirit: When Jesus ascended to heaven, He promised to send the Holy Spirit to be our Helper and Guide. The Spirit teaches us, reminds us of Jesus’ words (John 14:26), convicts us of sin, comforts us, and gives us inner promptings or a sense of peace or unease about certain decisions. This is often described as a “still, small voice” or an inner knowing that aligns with God’s character revealed in Scripture.
Prayer: Prayer itself is a space for divine communication. As we talk to God, He can impress thoughts, scriptures, or understanding upon our hearts and minds. It’s in the quiet moments of prayer that we often become most attuned to His leading.
Wise Counsel: God often speaks through other mature believers – pastors, youth leaders, parents, or trusted Christian friends (Proverbs 11:14). Their godly advice, rooted in Scripture and experience, can provide valuable guidance.
Circumstances: Sometimes God guides through the events of our lives, opening and closing doors of opportunity. However, interpreting circumstances requires careful discernment and should always be weighed against the clear teaching of Scripture.
Creation: The beauty, complexity, and majesty of the created world declare God’s glory, power, and divine nature (Romans 1:20). Nature can speak to us profoundly about its Creator.

The most balanced understanding is that God speaks primarily through His Word, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit then illuminates and applies that Word to our specific situations and hearts.

What About Visions and Audible Voices Like Ananias Had?

Ananias’s experience involved a direct vision and what seems like an audible or clearly perceived verbal exchange with the Lord. Are such experiences normative for believers today? This is a question where Christians hold differing perspectives, and it’s important to approach it with humility.

Some theologians believe that such direct, extraordinary revelations like visions or audible voices were more characteristic of foundational periods in God’s redemptive plan, particularly before the completion of the New Testament. They would point to Hebrews 1:1-2, which says, “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son.” The argument is that with the full revelation of God in Christ and the completed canon of Scripture, the need for such direct prophetic utterances has diminished, as the Bible is now sufficient for faith and practice.

Others believe that while the Bible is complete and authoritative, God, being sovereign, can still choose to communicate in more direct ways, such as visions or dreams, if He deems it necessary. However, they would generally see these as exceptional occurrences, not the everyday rule for guidance. Often, such experiences in the New Testament, like Ananias’s, were tied to pivotal moments in the advancement of the Gospel or occurred in contexts of intense persecution. One might hear personal accounts of such things, but these are often described as rare and significant events.

What’s crucial is that believers should not expect or demand visions or audible voices as the primary or only way God speaks. The focus should be on cultivating sensitivity to His voice through the more common and established means, especially His Word and the gentle leading of the Holy Spirit. Ananias’s dramatic experience served a unique purpose at a critical juncture in church history—the conversion of the man who would become the Apostle Paul.

The tension between the biblical account of Ananias’s remarkable encounter and the typical prayer experience of many believers can sometimes lead to unrealistic expectations or feelings of spiritual inadequacy if not handled carefully. It’s important to affirm God’s ability to communicate in extraordinary ways while emphasising the normative ways He engages with His people today. The purpose of God’s communication is often not just for personal encouragement but is frequently linked to His broader mission and the building of His Church, as was clearly the case with Ananias and Saul. This shifts the focus from merely “What can I get from God in prayer?” to “How can I align myself with what God is doing in the world?”

Crucially, any perceived direct revelation, whether a strong impression, dream, or even something that feels like a vision, must be carefully discerned and tested against the unchanging truth of Scripture. If a supposed message contradicts the Bible or the revealed character of God, it is not from Him. The Bible remains the ultimate standard for truth.

To help clarify these various avenues, consider the following:

Table 1: How God Speaks to Us Today

Method of Communication	How it Works (Brief Description for Youth)	What to Look For/How to Listen
The Bible (Scripture)	God’s written message to us, full of truth, promises, commands, and guidance for life.	Read regularly, ask God to help you understand its meaning for you, look for principles and promises that apply to your situation.
The Holy Spirit	God’s presence living in believers, guiding into truth, convicting of sin, offering comfort, and giving inner promptings or peace.	Pay attention to inner “nudges,” feelings of peace or unease that align with the Bible, a sense of conviction about right and wrong.
Prayer (Impressions)	As you talk with God, He can put thoughts, ideas, specific Scriptures, or a sense of His direction into your heart and mind.	Be still and listen after you’ve spoken. Ask God questions. Note recurring thoughts or scriptures that come to mind during or after prayer.
Wise Counsel (Godly People)	God often uses mature Christians (pastors, parents, mentors) to offer guidance, perspective, and wisdom based on Scripture and experience.	Seek advice from trusted believers when facing decisions. Listen openly, but always compare their counsel with what the Bible says.
Circumstances (Providence)	Sometimes God guides by opening or closing doors of opportunity, or through the events and situations He allows in your life.	Look for patterns or clear directions in your circumstances, but always seek confirmation through Scripture and prayer. Don’t rely on circumstances alone.
Creation	The universe and the natural world reveal God’s power, creativity, and divine nature.	Spend time in nature. Reflect on what the beauty and complexity of creation tell you about God.

Understanding these varied yet interconnected ways God communicates can prevent discouragement if one doesn’t experience a “Damascus Road” type of revelation, while still fostering an eager anticipation to hear from Him in the ways He chooses.

Tuning In: Learning to Hear God’s Voice

Learning to recognise God’s voice is a bit like learning a new language or getting to know a friend so well you can recognise their voice in a crowded room. It takes time, intention, and practice. It’s a developmental process, and the foundation is always God’s Word.

Other Bible Friends Who Talked with God

Ananias wasn’t the only one in Scripture who had a conversational relationship with God. The Bible is full of such examples, and they show a diversity in how these divine-human dialogues occurred, reinforcing that God meets us where we are but always desires connection.

Abraham is famously known for his intercessory dialogue with God concerning Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:23-33). He respectfully yet boldly negotiated with God, showing a remarkable intimacy and concern.
Moses had an exceptionally close communicative relationship with God, who “spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend” (Exodus 33:11). God called him by name from the burning bush, and Moses, like Ananias, asked questions and even raised objections, to which God responded.
Samuel, as a young boy serving in the temple, heard God call his name but initially didn’t recognize it was the Lord (1 Samuel 3:1-10). He needed the guidance of Eli, the priest, to understand how to respond. This shows that sometimes we need help from more mature believers to discern God’s voice, especially when we are young in faith.
Elijah the prophet, after a period of intense ministry and subsequent despair, encountered God not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a “gentle whisper” or “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:11-13). This highlights that God doesn’t always speak in dramatic ways; often, His voice is found in the quiet. Some interpretations note this voice as an actual, audible divine sound, unique to Elijah’s prophetic experience.

These examples, along with Ananias, demonstrate that God communicates in varied ways, tailored to the individual and the situation. The common thread is God’s initiative and desire to connect, and the individual’s responsiveness. This variety encourages us not to get fixated on one particular method of hearing from God but to be open to the diverse ways He might speak, always grounding these experiences in His Word.

Table 2: Bible Friends Who Talked With God

Bible Character	Scripture Reference(s)	How God Spoke/Key Feature of Conversation	What We Learn for Our Prayer Life
Abraham	Genesis 18:23-33	Intercessory dialogue, bold requests, negotiation.	We can bring big requests to God and intercede boldly for others, with reverence.
Moses	Exodus 3:4-4:17; Exodus 33:11	Direct, “face-to-face” conversation; God initiated, Moses asked questions, voiced objections.	We can be honest with God about our doubts, fears, and questions; He is patient and willing to respond.
Samuel	1 Samuel 3:1-10	Audible voice, initially unrecognized by Samuel.	We might need help from mature believers to learn to recognize God’s voice, especially when we are starting out. A teachable heart is key.
Elijah	1 Kings 19:9-18	A “gentle whisper” or “still small voice” after dramatic events and personal crisis.	God often speaks in quiet moments, not just during big, dramatic events. We need to cultivate stillness to hear Him.
Ananias	Acts 9:10-17	Vision, direct instructions, honest expression of fear by Ananias, divine reassurance and clarification.	God can give specific guidance; it’s okay to express our fears, and God provides reassurance. Obedience is expected even when we’re afraid.

Practical Ways to Cultivate a Listening Heart

Developing an ear for God’s voice requires intentional effort. Here are some practical steps:

Read the Bible Regularly: This cannot be overstressed. The Bible is God’s revealed will. The more familiar you are with His written Word, the better you’ll recognise His voice in other ways. Pray before you read, asking the Holy Spirit to illuminate the passage and speak to your heart.
Quiet Time & Solitude: In a noisy, distraction-filled world, it’s vital to carve out moments of stillness to simply be with God and listen. Turn off the phone, find a quiet spot, and allow your soul to become still before Him.
Pray Expectantly: When you pray, don’t just present a list of requests and then rush off. Believe that God wants to communicate with you. As Psalm 5:3 (CEV) says, “Each morning you listen to my prayer, as I bring my requests to you and wait for your reply”. This “waiting for a reply” is key.
Journaling: Writing down your prayers, thoughts, and any impressions or scriptures that come to mind during your quiet time can be incredibly helpful. It allows you to process what you’re sensing, track patterns, and look back on how God has guided you.
Obedience in Small Things: Jesus said, “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10). When you are obedient to the clear things God has already shown you in His Word, it often opens your heart to hear more specific guidance.
Worship: Focusing your heart and mind on God through worship (music, singing, adoration) aligns your spirit with His and can make you more sensitive to His presence and voice.
Ask Questions: Like Moses, don’t be afraid to ask God questions in your prayer time: “Lord, what are You trying to show me here?” “What does this passage mean for my life?” “How do You want me to respond to this situation?”.
Be Patient: Learning to discern God’s voice is a journey, not an instant download. There will be times you feel unsure. Be patient with yourself and with the process. It often takes time and consistent effort to grow in this area.

These practices, engaged consistently, help create an inner environment where the “noise” of life is quieted, and the gentle promptings of God’s Spirit become more discernible.

The Importance of Knowing God’s Character Through Scripture

As you learn to listen, the most crucial filter for any prompting, feeling, or supposed “word from God” is Scripture itself. Does what you’re sensing align with the character of God as revealed in the Bible? Does it line up with His clear commands and teachings?. God will never contradict His written Word. The more deeply you know the Bible, the better equipped you will be to distinguish His voice from your own thoughts, the desires of your heart, or other influences. The Bible is the anchor that keeps our subjective experiences grounded in objective truth.

Let’s Talk About It: Questions to Ponder

Thinking more deeply about these things and discussing them with others can be really helpful. Here are some questions to get you started, either for personal reflection or for a group discussion:

Before reading this, what did you think prayer was mostly about? How has Ananias’s story changed or added to your understanding of prayer?
Ananias was scared to go to Saul (Acts 9:13-14). Have you ever felt scared or unsure about something you thought God wanted you to do? How did Ananias handle his fear? What can we learn from that?
God told Ananias that Saul was a “chosen instrument” even though Saul had done terrible things. What does this tell you about God’s power to change people and His forgiveness?
Ananias called Saul “Brother Saul” (Acts 9:17). Why do you think this was significant? How can we show that kind of acceptance to new believers or even people who were once our “enemies”?
In what ways do you think God speaks to people, today? Which of these ways have you experienced or noticed?
What makes it hard to listen for God’s voice in your daily life (e.g., busyness, noise, doubt, not knowing how)? What’s one small step you could take this week to create more space to listen?
The Bible is a key way God speaks. How can reading the Bible become more like listening to a conversation for you, rather than just reading a book?
How can we know if a thought, feeling, or idea is from God, from ourselves, or from somewhere else? (Hint: think about what we learned about God’s character and His Word).
Ananias’s obedience played a huge part in Paul’s story and the spread of the Gospel. How does knowing this encourage you to be obedient to what God asks of you, even in small things?
What’s one thing from Ananias’s conversation with God that you want to apply to your own prayer life?

These questions are designed to bridge the gap between the biblical story and personal experience, encouraging honest reflection about struggles and affirming that these are normal parts of the journey of faith, just as they were for Ananias.

A Blessing for Your Journey

A blessing is a way of asking for God’s favour, goodness, and protection to be upon someone. As you continue on your journey of learning to hear and respond to God, may this blessing encourage you:

May you, like Ananias, have ears open to hear the Lord’s call. May you have the courage to voice your questions and the faith to receive His reassurance. May God give you a clear sense of His purpose for you, big or small. May you learn to recognise His voice in His Word, in the whisper of His Spirit, and in the wisdom He provides. And may you walk in obedience, knowing that He is with you and can use you in amazing ways. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.” Amen. (Numbers 6:24-26, NKJV).

This blessing is intended not just as a pleasant closing, but as an act of commissioning and empowerment, reinforcing the key themes of hearing God, obedience, and His abiding presence. Using words from Scripture, like the ancient Aaronic blessing from Numbers, connects this moment to God’s timeless practice of blessing His people, adding weight and authority to the words spoken.

A Prayer for Open Hearts

Here is a prayer you can make your own, or that can be prayed with or for you. It focuses on the desire to hear God, to overcome fear, and to walk in obedience, reflecting the kind of conversational and honest prayer that this entire exploration encourages:

Dear Lord,

Thank You for the story of Ananias and for showing us that You really do speak to Your people. Thank You that You are a God who wants to be in conversation with us.

Please help us to quiet our hearts and learn to listen for Your voice. Open our ears to hear You when You speak through the Bible, through Your Holy Spirit, through wise people, and in all the ways You choose.

Like Ananias, sometimes we feel afraid or unsure when we think You’re asking us to do something. Give us courage to be honest with You about our fears. And then, Lord, give us the strength and faith to obey You, just like Ananias did. Help us to trust Your plans, even when we don’t understand everything.

We want to be Your “chosen instruments” in our schools, our families, and our world. Show us how. Help us to recognise Your nudges and follow Your lead. Thank You for Your patience as we learn.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This prayer can serve as a point of personal commitment, a way to respond to what has been learned and to express a sincere desire to grow in relationship with God, moving from passive learning to active, personal engagement with the One who calls each of us by name.

Much of what I have learned has been through reading. These are the sites that I would recommend you visit and who helped shape the content on this post.

1. Prayer Is a Two-Way Conversation – Shades of Grace | Natalie … https://www.shadesofgrace.org/2019/01/16/prayer-a-two-way-conversation/
2. Relational Prayer: Talking With God as His Friend – Wycliffe Bible Translators USA Homepage https://www.wycliffe.org/blog/posts/relational-prayer-talking-with-god-as-his-friend
3. pitwm.net https://pitwm.net/Acts_9_Called_To_Prpclaim_Christ.pdf
4. Topical Bible: Ananias’ Hesitation and Obedience https://biblehub.com/topical/a/ananias’_hesitation_and_obedience.htm
5. Acts 9:10-19, When We Know Better than God – Ananias https://brewsterbaptistchurch.org/know-better-god-ananias/
6. Commentary on Acts 9:1-19 – Working Preacher from Luther Seminary https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/called-into-christs-service/commentary-on-acts-91-19
7. A Man Named Ananias: Acts 9:10-19 – GoServ Global https://goservglobal.org/2023/08/31/a-man-named-ananias-acts-910-19/
8. Acts 9:13 Study Bible: But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he did to your saints at Jerusalem. https://biblehub.com/study/acts/9-13.htm
9. The Disciple Ananias – The Gospel Faith Messenger https://www.gospel.org.nz/index.php/articles/articles-by-rodney/220-the-disciple-ananias
10. Ananias’s Obedience – Venture Church https://www.venturechurch.org/daily-devotionals/ananiass-obedience
11. www.first15.org https://www.first15.org/devotionals/god-speaks-2023/#:~:text=John%208%3A47%20says%2C%20%E2%80%9C,instruct%20you%20and%20teach%20you
12. God Speaks – First15 https://www.first15.org/devotionals/god-speaks-2023/
13. How does God talk to humans these days? Is it possible? : r/Christian https://www.reddit.com/r/Christian/comments/1930ga3/how_does_god_talk_to_humans_these_days_is_it/
14. (06) How Does God Communicate? (3.18.07) – Peace Theology https://peacetheology.net/doctrine/06-how-does-god-communicate-3-18-07/
15. 10 Powerful Scriptures About Hearing God’s Voice – HOUSE OF … https://nationalhouseofhope.org/2022/10-powerful-scriptures-about-hearing-gods-voice/
16. God’s Voice: Understanding Biblical Revelation Today https://the-end-time.org/2025/04/14/gods-voice-understanding-biblical-revelation-today/
17. Prayer Evolution: From Rituals to Spiritual Connection https://answeredfaith.com/prayer-old-testament-vs-prayer-new-testament/
18. Conversational relationship – Life Center https://lifecenter.net/joes-blog/2019/conversational-relationship/
19. Is Prayer a Two-Way Conversation? — For the Gospel https://www.forthegospel.org/read/is-prayer-a-two-way-conversation
20. Helping Students Understand Divine Truth | Religious Studies Center https://rsc.byu.edu/vol-11-no-1-2010/helping-students-understand-divine-truth
21. JUNIOR HIGH LESSON ON PRAYER – Junior High Ministry | Junior … https://juniorhighministry.org/junior-high-lessons-on-prayer/
22. Small Group Questions: The Prayer Series – Part 3: Just Tune In – Bible.com https://www.bible.com/events/5273
23. Blessings for teenagers – Fresh Expressions https://freshexpressions.org.uk/get-equipped/worship/blessings-for-teenagers/
24. Speaking Words of Blessing to Our Kids | Parent Blog https://kidscorner.net/parent-blog/speaking-words-of-blessing-to-our-kids
25. Prayer: Youth Bible Study (Mark 11:24) https://youthgroupministry.com/lessons/prayer-youth-bible-study-mark-1124/
26. A Prayer that Your Child will Walk in Obedience – Kaylene Yoder https://kayleneyoder.com/prayer-child-will-walk-obedience/

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