Month of Prayer
JANUARY 2026
‘My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.’
John 10:27
Often when we think of prayer, we think of speaking to God and presenting our requests to Him. This is certainly part of it. But God also longs to speak to us; to encourage us, affirm us, guide us, warn us, convict us and strengthen us. God has something fresh to speak to us each day. There is no voice more kind or loving, and there is no greater gift than hearing God speak. Taking time to grow in listening to God’s voice, is time well spent.
In this Month of Prayer, we invite you to create space in your day to listen to God in prayer. Start where you’re at, not where you think you’re meant to be.
We’re expectant that God will speak to us as individuals, and as a community, in this time. If you sense God saying something for our church family, please share it with us.
Practical suggestions
If you need some guidance and inspiration as to what to pray for in your hour slot, we’ve got some ideas for you!
Get Inspired.
John Mark Comer offers a helpful 45 minute podcast on Listening to God. This could be a great place to begin.
Listen through His Word
The primary way that God speaks to us is through His word, the Bible. If we hear something contrary to God’s word, then it is not God speaking. Lectio365 is a free app with 10 minute daily Bible meditations and guided prayers. This is a great resource for those of us with busy minds and schedules, who struggle to ‘turn off’ our thoughts when we come to prayer. Alternatively, you might like to read through a book of the Bible. Ask the Holy Spirit questions as you read, and take time to wait and listen.
Listen in boredom
One of the biggest barriers to hearing God speak to us, is our constant-distraction-devices (phones). When our phones are by our side, we are not truly ‘alone with God.’ Studies have shown that even having a phone in a closed draw reduces our attention span. Why not take time to put your phone in a different room and allow yourself to be bored? If we truly want to hear the voice of God guiding us and encouraging us, then we need to train ourselves to get comfortable with boredom and silence. God often speaks in whispers (see 1 Kings 19:12). How will we hear Him if we are never quiet?
Go Deeper.
If you want to go deeper, we would highly recommend the book Lead with Prayer.
Listen as you walk
Why not head out for a walk? You might start by telling God whatever is on your mind. Then simply invite God to speak to you as you walk with Him. “Thank you God that you’re here with me. Please speak to me as I walk now.” Perhaps He will gently remind you of His love, or draw your attention to the beauty of your surroundings, or remind you of a passage of scripture. Even if you don’t hear anything, trust that God is there with you.
Listen in rest
Sabbath is a weekly gift of rest; an entire day of not working. When we take time to practice sabbath, we create more space in our minds and schedules to allow God to speak to us. If you’re not currently practicing sabbath, and would like to learn more, there is a helpful podcast series on this topic.