12 Ways God Speaks and How To Hear Him Clearly

January 30, 2018

Hearing and interpreting God’s voice is one skill that is paramount for your success as a believer. Communication is a two way street and very important for any relationship to work. However, many Christians “ask” God, “talk” to God, “pray” to God but still don’t know how to hear from God. Every question has an answer as every prayer has a response but you have to learn how God speaks so that you can successfully receive and reap the benefits of having a relationship with Him.

Here are 12 unique ways God speaks:

1)   God always speaks through Scripture.

God’s word is the number one undiluted way through which God speaks. The Bible says that God has exalted His word above His name (Psalm 138:2). This tells us about God’s integrity; what He says he will do, He will do, so we can always trust that whatever God speaks to us through His word is true. You might stumble on a bible verse, be led to a place in the bible but whatever God’s word says is the truth.

Tip: Read your bible. Eat the word heavy. When you are praying for answers and looking for God to speak to you – read, study, meditate away.

2)   God can speak through Music

This is one of the most common in my PERSONAL relationship with God. God speaks to me through songs. A random song will drop in my spirit and it’ll be exactly the word I need in that time – a confirmation, warning, a prophecy or just God telling me the state of my spirit. God will do anything to catch your attention so you need to stay alert.

P.S There are ways God will speak to you that are personal to YOUR relationship with him.

Tip: Let your body, soul and spirit be connected to God in every way.

3)  God speaks through People

God can speak to you through anybody; other believers, your Pastor, even a mad man. Sometimes the answer to your question or prayer is in conversations completely unrelated to what you think you need. God can minster to you through a line or word from other people (even the conversation of a passerby) who unknowingly or knowingly will speak God’s heart to you. The beautiful thing about God is that He owns everyone and everything, is in absolute control and will speak to you even in the simplest of details.

Tip: Don’t underestimate or look down on anyone. They might just be on assignment to deliver the word that you need.

4)   God can speak through repeated instances.

When similar things re-occur over a space of time, it might just be God calling your attention to something. An example can be as simple as your eye twitching anytime you are about to get angry. It might just be God saying “it’s not worth it.” I want you to understand that when you have a close knit relationship with God, he talks to you every time and very easily. He is not shy around you and He doesn’t keep mute because you are his homie, you are His friend. He’ll talk, he’ll warn you, he’ll correct you, he’ll make you laugh.

Tip: There are no coincidences. Pay attention and try to hear what God is saying to you always.

5)  God speaks through Circumstances

God speaks through circumstances. He can use either yours or another person’s circumstance to minister a word of warning, encouragement, correction, love and promise to you. There is always a deeper purpose when you find yourself in trials especially and in my experience, your trial is almost the direct opposite to what you are birthing in the spiritual. e.g You might be broke now because God wants to teach you something through this pressure that’ll push you into wealth.

Tip: Be watchful and vigilant. Rest in God. Things are not always surface level which is why the bible reminds us to walk by faith and not by sight.

6)  God speaks through Dreams

This is another big one for me. I am a dreamer and although some people are specially gifted in dreams, I 101% believe that as your relationship with God gets stronger, God will speak to you through dreams once in a while. Dreams can be iffy because the devil and your flesh can also manipulate this channel. There are also different dreams and dreamers so it’s important to understand how God speaks to you in this area. In the bible God spoke to Joseph, Solomon, Jacob, Peter, John and Paul and He is still very much speaking to us now through dreams.

Tip: Pray before you sleep. Ask God to speak to you. Watch your dream pattern – Do your dreams come true or are they direct opposite? Pay attention so you can know and decipher God’s voice clearer. Pray over every dream – cancel what you don’t like / want to manifest. Permit, receive and thank God for the dreams you want to see manifest.

7)   God speaks through Visions

God speaks through visions. This is a visual like a dream but without being asleep. It can be a quick flash, or a whole scene, just an image or an inscription. God can be showing you the future, the present or the past. It can be for purposes of protection, intercession, warnings and promises.

Tip: Build a stronger relationship with God especially through prayer and fasting and more of your spiritual senses will be open to hear God.

8)   God speaks through The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit should be the central and main foundation every time God speaks, be it when we are reading the word, or through a person or a circumstance. He acts as our inner witness to reveal and confirm deep things to us. Through discernment (a solid knowing, sensing or conviction), a tug in your heart or a gut feeling, we would recognize the Holy Spirit.

Tip: Become buddies with the Holy Spirit, and hearing from God will literarily be as simple as ABC…

9)   God speaks to through prayer

Prayer is a pathway into the supernatural and spiritual realm. Once you start to pray and focus on God to lead you, He starts to give you what to actually pray about – be it in your understanding or in the Spirit. E.g You might go into prayer for your family and you suddenly don’t know why you are praying about your job and specifically not to be fired. In a case like this, it may not make sense to you but Holy Spirit guides us in the best way to pray and what to pray about. This could translate to ‘be careful at your job”, “to take your job more seriously” or “to beware of any surprises that may come from work.”

Tip: Develop a solid prayer life.

10)  God speaks through an audible voice

In the bible, God spoke to Samuel in an audible voice and although in these days it might seem absurd, God is still very much the same yesterday, today and forever. God still speaks in an audible voice.

11)   God speaks through peace

An unworried heart and spirit can also be God speaking to us. If you can quiet your spirit and be really true to self, you can tell what God is saying and if you truly have peace about a decision or situation. E.g in a really tough situation, it is possible to be calm because you have the peace of God that surpasses all understanding and it stands as a signal that all will be well.

12) God speaks through supernatural manifestations

God speaks through miracles, signs and wonders mainly to increase our faith and ignite our hunger and thirst for Him.

How To Hear God’s Voice Clearly

God is always speaking but the problem is that we are not always listening. I am well convinced that every believer should have at minimum 5 ways that God personally speaks to them. It is only the voice of a stranger you do not recognize but the more familiar you are with a person, the more you can hear their voice even from a distance, even at a whisper, even the unspoken words because you have spent enough time with them.

God is constantly directing us, leading us, warning us, encouraging us, promising us, comforting us and we need to be aware of His voice so that we are not spiritually deaf. Our lives will take such an amazing turn if only we can strengthen our ear muscles and detect God’s voice easily even in a world full of opinions. How ahead can we get with the direct telephone line of the president of the universe?

To hear God’s voice clearly, there are a few things we have to do;

1) Quiet your mind

2) Place God as your number one counsel

3) Pay attention

4) Strengthen your relationship with God

5) Read your bible

6) Worship

7) Always pause and listen

God is a creative God. We are all unique and God will speak to us in different ways. These are just a few common examples of ways that God speaks. With God you have to realize that everything is intentional. God is not wasteful. He doesn’t waste resources, experiences, let alone His voice so open your spirit to hear what God is saying in every single occurence, time and place.

What other ways does God speak to you? Let me know in the comments.

Grace & Peace!

  1. Ayo Emmanuel says:

    God speaks in diverse ways and he relates with everybody on a different level and where you’re at in your spiritual development.
    Thanks

  2. God is a faithful God,to those who believe n trust him,He manifest Himself to them. says:

    God uses my body to speak to me mostly. if am with a sick person n the person maybe having heart challenges,my heart will begin paining me.and as soon as I pray for d person it will stop paining me d d person confirms it to be true n d sickness disappears

    • Anina King says:

      Yes, this can also be a sign that you are very prophetic or/and have a healing gift. But through prayer and your continuous walk with God, you would know.

  3. LoveGod says:

    Thank you for posting this. So helpful šŸ™‚

  4. AiXin says:

    It would be helpful to put Biblical references to your above comments on the way He speaks.

    • Anina King says:

      Hi AiXin, I appreciate your comment and would definitely update this post and apply this feedback to future posts. Thank you.

  5. Helen says:

    Thank you for this post, it’s excellent. Reminds me that I need to spend more time just being with God.
    It also reassured me as God speaks to me in many of the ways you listed and then some personal ones too.
    When I first became a Christian, the Holy Spirit filled me and my arms hurt (sounds strange). Nowadays, when God really wants to alert me, my arms hurt in the same way.
    He also uses radio to communicate. Sometimes certain words blare out loudly and the rest of the programme is at a normal volume.
    We have an amazing God. X

  6. Paul says:

    He let me think & do things his way as I just started doing something like I just started saying God Speaks and I started finding out about God Amen

  7. Michael J. Louw says:

    Perhaps an illustration of how His strength is made perfect in weakness! Due to an old motorbike injury, I developed a venous ulcer and I’ve been practically living on pain killers for over a year. I finished work late – got home at 22h30, fed the cat, ironed a shirt and took double the usual dose of Ibuprofen. At midnight, i got up, in agony, made a hot drink with Canna oil and finally got to sleep around 02h00. My alarm woke me at 03h30. now, for the past few days, my bible readings and commentaries had lessons on waiting on the Holy Spirit instead of assuming an answer without waiting for His response. I was in the bathroom and I said "Holy Spirit, your Word says that those who wait for you shall rise up on eagle’s wings. Well, I’m waiting for you to speak. I just have one question: Is it safe to go to work in this state? What are my chances of making it through the day without falling asleep at the wheel and hurting someone? I waited a minute and then checked my cellphone for the time. It displayed 05/05 and i started laughing. If you turn it a little in your mind it shows either 50/50 or So-So! Some may describe that as a psychotic break but I was convinced that was Jesus’ Jewish sense of humour displayed. Later, in the shower, I had a profound thought that i wanted to share with everyone. "Forgiveness forfeits punishment, not consequences." Fully energised, I got in my car and said to the Holy Spirit, " You’re Mission Control. You’re in command. Shall I leave the music off and wait to hear from you or do I listen to music? After a couple of minutes, I said, " I’m going to play music, if that’s okay!’ Now, I listen to music of all genres and types and eras and there are over a 1000 tracks on the flash drive which i always play on shuffle or random selection mode. This is how He responded: 1st track – Pet Shop Boys – It’s A Sin. and I thought, Hoo, boy! He’s trying to tell me something! I quickly skipped to the next, random, track – Brand New – 70 times 7. And then I was weeping as it struck me: He’s straight up telling me how many times He forgives me! Next track – 17 by Lake Street Dive. i listened for a moment for some relevance, couldn’t find any and skipped to the next track with the tears streaming. Guns and Roses – Don’t Cry! Right! You think I’m making this up? There’s more! Next track: London Beat – I’ve been thinking about you! By now, I’m wailing like a howler monkey and can barely drive for the tears. So, the final track before I got overwhelmed and stopped the music: Billy Joel – Innocent Man.

  8. Terry says:

    The wind, rain, birds, animals, children laughing and playing, the poor, the suffering, the air.

  9. Martin20rosendal@gmail.com says:

    I’m in my early 70’s and for the first time in my life audibly heard GOD’S voice loud and clear! I still feel in awe and privaledged just thinking of it. During 2019 when news broke on TV about laws being passed to murder babies even after full term birth, I was stunned with such terrible igretious laws! Going to bed that night I prayed to Our Father GOD, asking forgiveness and mercy for mankind regarding the terrible wicked new laws destroying HIS most precious gift to us. I cried tears for the pain and horror HE must be feeling saying that HE must be sitting in heaven crying HIS eyes out with pain and shame at mans abominable deeds.
    About 5-7 days later I was watching TV.. classic movie chanel. ..no vocals. . When my living room filled with a male’s voice. This is was it said "From Heaven I see Everything. I Witness The Atrocities" .
    I was so shocked..I put TV on mute and called out " GOD. …is that YOU? Are YOU really, really speaking to me. .???
    Well when HE answered repeating exact same words.. I jumped out of the chair and danced with joy.. I have never in my life ever felt such an unexplainable happy.., peaceful..comforting , elated feeling in my life! Speak about beaming ear to ear for the next 6 months !!!! It was AWESOME ! I am truly Blessed.
    GOD IS REAL and still speaks to us Audibly. And now we know. .I, we have confirmation 100% that GOD is Real..HE does see everything and HE does hear our prayers.
    Thank you .. HOLY FATHER. ..Creator of All. YOU are the only TRUE LIVING GOD. The one and only Great. "I AM".
    Amen.

  10. Virginia Porter says:

    When I’m alone, especially enjoying the beauty of the world God placed me on, I feel very close to God and he speaks to my mind. Any question or thought I have about something seems to be instantly answered by God through knowledge of his word.
    Rarely have I heard God speak when there’s a crowd or noise that isn’t God centered. It’s always when my eyes are on him and my mind is engaged, through praise and worship to him.

    • Haley M Hall says:

      It is the exact same for me… I go and pace around our hay lot to pray and focus on Him. This is where I feel connected and where I find peace and answers.

  11. gloria oluwabiyi says:

    wow,this is great,thanks,its really helpful

  12. Number says:

    Worth a million dollars

  13. Super Sugar says:

    I strongly feel his presence during a magnificent sunset that transitions into the first nighttime sky

  14. Sindiswa says:

    I thank God for directing me to these notes. I was not googling them but God directed me to read Aninakings notes on how to hear God speaking to me. Sometimes when i read the Bible all of a sudden I saw a sentence being highlighted with a very bright green colour !! Wow I knew that God was speaking to me. I started meditating on that sentence.Thank u very much for your notes , now I knw what to do. God bless u in Jesus Name.

  15. Cathy weddle says:

    I have heared god the other night am having an personal issues with my husband and for past week or so I have been hearing a voice that I though all long that is my dead father holding me and all of sudden my left ear buzzed every loudly and then my ear get very hot like someone lit a match to it and then i.asked god was that you and that voice in my head said yes it I your heavenly father. And please listen is all be over soon just have patience, and stay quiet no rush I have your back and it will take a process but it will done.and I had is over all peaceful felling and I talk and prayer to him every night as he working this situation out on my husband. As a human it hard because I want this issue fixed now. But I know god works on his time and I know when the time is right it’s right .

  16. Emily H says:

    I had a vision of the future. It was a whole scene played out in front of my face. It felt so real, I was there and my ex boyfriend were there sitting in his apartment. He called this married woman he considers his ā€œbusiness partnerā€, and they do ā€œinvestments.ā€ He said he had a bunch of foreign currency and he wants her to leave with him to another country. The Lord showed me what was to come in the future. I continued a relationship with him, thinking I had obvious mental issues. He continues to this day speaking on the telephone with this married woman. We are now broken up. But I believe what I saw was the future , the Lord revealed it to me.

  17. Michael lee says:

    Yesterday I was praying in unknown toungue for about half an hour, suddenly I heard God speak to Adam every moment because of his simplicity of heart.then amoment later avoice from within said let your Wiil be done unto me.i was shocked

  18. Davis says:

    This is a great article. Thank you for sharing.

  19. Ri says:

    I feel like God is calling for me to get closer to Him. This article really helped me to understand how to hear Him more clearly so thank you!

    For those of you struggling with this, keep going! God got you ā¤ļøšŸ™šŸæ

  20. Stephen says:

    Most times I keep on experiencing things, like go and tell people about me, but I don’t have courage and I keep on thinking that how will they listen to, and something I pray to GOD to reveal himself to me to make me understand that he is the one instructing me, but all to no response, whenever I don’t get any response I just think that maybe it just that my on thinking faculty or I should just be a soul winner,

    PLEASE HELP ME.

    • Samantha says:

      Hi Stephen,
      I struggled for a year trying to hear from God and at the time I believed I heard nothing. I kept going through repeated cycles, specifically financial instability. I heard about the power of prayer, fellowship, and studying, but never put much emphasis on its importance. I was leaning on familiar fear patterns and trying to control situations myself. I was saved but now was having difficulty understanding what walking with God, or sanctification meant. The best thing that helped me was studying his word daily, usually doing so first thing in the morning (prioritizing him). I had to come near to Him to begin recognizing his presence. I didn’t realize how little I recognized his word according to the Bible. The less stress and doubt I focused on, the closer I became to God and him revealing his will for my life. It took me a while to know God but he already knows us. If you seek him, you will find him (Jeremiah 29:13). You just have to have faith in what you can’t see yet (Hebrew 11:1, 1 Peter 1:8), we can be blind to things he can reveal to us (Isaiah 35:5, Psalm 146:8). Patience, faith, prayer, and studying were what worked for me. When I focused on having a relationship with him first before confronting other things (Matthew 6:33), I unknowingly was building myself up spiritually until it was revealed physically (1 Corinthians 2:10).

  21. Donna Rich says:

    Awesome, I needed to read this. It was extremely helpful.

  22. Jeff Krag says:

    Love reading your views on the different ways God speaks, Heā€™s awesome, I wish I had time to tell you all the ways the Lord has spoken to me, the Word is the key, eat it sleep on chew it, research it, Heā€™ll bless that, God bless you, Jeff

  23. Dawn says:

    Love one
    Heavenly Father, I want you to know that I am sorry for not listening clearer to your voice. But, know that my heart has always belonged to you since the time of my birth. Know am working at making it stronger again, and I do have forgiveness in my heart for all hurt. For I love unconditionally, yesterday, today, and everyday. My heart overflows with love for you, yesterday, today, and tomorrow, forever. I love you Heavenly Father. Amen

    • Amy says:

      Thank you for having a comment section these comments helped me realize/remember this is a gift from God! The ringing in my ears the worship songs that pop in my head at the right time that HE IS singing over me, to comfort me with his words for my anxious thoughts, I was lead to this page so I would have no doubt and I appreciate this

  24. tonia Mitchell says:

    I hear music similar to the way you described it, and I’m unsure of myself sometimes I think I’m going crazy

  25. Lethabo says:

    Thank you so much for simple yet divinely inspired information on hearing God’s voice. I senced God’s presence as I was going through each and every one of them, I feel they where directly speaking to me. God bless you mightily.

  26. Comfort Odejide says:

    God bless you sister. More grace and strength ma. This is wonderful

  27. Comfort Odejide says:

    Very useful information thanks

  28. John Ohonsi Imeokparia says:

    Thank you so much man of God for this wonderful article about how I can hear God clearly, I’m so blessed by your words, I pray as I follow these steps, I receive grace to hear from God in Jesus precious name,Amen

  29. Joe says:

    He even talks through clouds!

  30. Olusanya Albert says:

    The ways God Speaks remain a misery to use for God Speaks in divers, that we can not comprehend it enough.
    He can speak through big bill board, sime post, stickers even though natural

  31. MARLENE says:

    I was near death at one time all I know is that it is so peaceful and does not hurt in any way it is like floating with no pain. This was 60 yrs ago and I am still living in God’s word and I talk to him all the time! When I get in the car I pray “God keep me safe be with me and protect me from all danger.” So far he has!

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