# Seeking God, Finding God: Listening for the Lord’s Voice
*2009-02-26*

> Bill reflects on John 5:37 during the fourth week of Lent, exploring how we can recognize God’s voice in Scripture, prayer, and daily decisions.

## Reading from John 5:37

Today’s Gospel reading is John 5:37: “You have heard his voice and have recognized his form.” Jesus tells the Pharisees that there are three ways to know Him: the testimony of John the Baptist, His own works, and the voice of God speaking in the heart of each believer.

## The Three Witnesses of Christ

First, Jesus points to John the Baptist, whose testimony the Pharisees themselves had heard. Second, He refers to His miracles, such as healing the man at the pool of Bethesda, as evidence of His divine authority. Finally, He says that God Himself bears witness through the inner voice that believers hear when they are attuned to Him.

## Do I Hear God’s Voice?

This raises a personal question: Do I truly recognize God’s voice, or am I merely hearing my own thoughts? The temptation is to mistake inner dialogue for divine prompting. The Church teaches that God speaks to us through nature, relationships, prayer, and the events of our lives. When that voice leads us to a deeper love of God and brings peace, we can be confident it is Him.

## Listening in Practice

For today’s Lenten practice, I invite you to examine each decision you make and ask whether it is accompanied by a sense of peace. Use that inner calm as a test: if a choice brings peace and draws you closer to God, it is likely the voice you are hearing.

*In the quiet of our hearts, God’s voice is recognized by the peace it brings.*