How to Hear God Speak | Shawn Johnson | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

How to Hear God Speak

Red Rocks Church • May 17, 2026 • 46 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this practical message, Pastor Shawn Johnson walks through four foundational practices for hearing God's voice: asking Him daily, listening quietly in His presence, walking alongside wise believers, and anchoring ourselves in Scripture. Prayer was never meant to be a one-sided monologue, but an intimate conversation with a Father who genuinely delights in spending time with us. By bringing our daily needs to God and pausing to listen, we build a steady trust that drives away fear and brings divine clarity to our path.

Themes

Hearing God's VoiceTwo-Way PrayerGodly Wisdom & CommunityScripture & DiscernmentOvercoming Fear

Pastor's Points

1.

1. Ask God

2.

2. Listen for the answer

3.

3. Walk with the wise

4.

4. Get in the Word

Key Points

1.
Point 1: Ask God directly and daily when seeking wisdom and guidance (James 1:5, Matthew 6:11).
2.
Point 2: Listen for the answer, recognizing that true prayer requires silent attentiveness after we finish speaking (John 10:27).
3.
Point 3: Walk with the wise by continually locking arms with mature believers who share God's perspective and wisdom (Proverbs 13:20).
4.
Point 4: Get into God's Word regularly so His active truth illuminates your path (Psalm 119:105).
5.
We often struggle not because God refuses to guide us, but because we complain about His silence without actually asking Him daily in prayer.
6.

Sermon Moments

“You've been struggling for two months not because your shoes don't fit, but because you didn't come talk to your dad about the problem.”

“God doesn't just love you, church. He likes you and wants to hang out with you.”

“Did you know that your prayer time isn't supposed to be over when you're done talking?”

“The presence of a preacher does not change your life. The presence of our God is what changes your life.”

“If us and the creator of the universe are going to have a conversation, I think he ought to do most of the talking.”

“Prayer time is just beginning when we're done speaking.”

“She's heard my voice so much in private that she recognizes my voice in the middle of chaos.”

“I sought the Lord and he answered me, and he delivered me from all my fears.”

This Week

Set aside dedicated daily prayer time to ask God specifically for the wisdom and direction you need.

After speaking in prayer, spend equal or greater time sitting in quiet silence to listen for God's reply.

Establish a daily habit of reading Scripture, meditating on passages to let God's voice shape your daily thoughts.

Connect with a church small group or volunteer team to surround yourself with believers who revere God.

Seek godly counsel from mature Christian mentors or leaders when making significant life decisions.

Intentionally minimize noisy distractions and digital screen time to create quiet space for spiritual reflection.

Speak Psalm 34:4 aloud when anxiety arises, declaring that God delivers you from all your fears.

Remember This

God delights in speaking to His children, but hearing His voice requires us to ask Him daily, listen patiently in quiet surrender, lock arms with wise believers, and ground ourselves in Scripture.

A Challenge for You

"I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." Pastor Shawn challenged the congregation to stand up, denounce fear in the name of Jesus, and boldly declare Psalm 34:4 over their lives.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.