Whisper: How to Hear the Voice of God

Batterson, pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C., challenges his readers to utter a seven-word prayer to change their lives: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” Batterson begins his text with a quote from otolaryngologist Alfred Tomatis: “The voice can only reproduce what the ear can hear.” Batterson uses that idea to challenge Christ followers to better attune their spiritual connection by regularly removing themselves from busyness so that they can hear God’s voice in the world around them. “When our lives get loud, with noise filling every frequency, we lose our sense of being,” Batterson writes. “If you want to hear the heart of God, silence is the key. If you want the Spirit of God to fill you, be still.” Batterson then recommends seven ways to quiet the endless cacophony, encouraging readers to study scripture, pay attention to desires, watch for open doors, understand dreams, study people, be sensitive to prompting of the Holy Spirit, and recognize the redemptive value of pain. Generous with spiritual admonitions, Batterson’s book will be a welcome respite to Christ followers looking to slow down in an accelerating world. (Oct.)