The key to hearing the Holy Spirit’s Voice is to simply listen. So simple it sounds, but ask yourself the question, “Do I really take the time to listen?” Really ask yourself that question today. Think about it, reflect on it, and contemplate on it.

Am I a talker? Do I tend to talk a lot when I am around other people?

Am I uncomfortable with even a few minutes of silence? Have I found meditation difficult?

These can be clues to the answer for the question previously stated.

Am I really listening?

We tend to fill our worlds with so many words, words to describe, words to judge, words to attack, words to defend ourselves, words, words and more words. And as Jesus tells us in the Course, they are but merely symbols. These symbols fill our minds so that we are distracted from hearing God’s Voice. That is the ego’s game, fill our minds with meaningless thoughts and we will not have the opportunity to think or connect with God.

And when we do attempt to join with God in the silence, we allow the thoughts to intrude upon His Holy Space. We allow? Yes, we allow the thoughts to intrude. We are not the victim of our thoughts. We allow these thoughts to take the place of God. This is why Jesus has placed much emphasis on being the watchguard of our mind or being vigilant of our thoughts. It is because we are indeed too tolerant of mind-wandering.

In the section in the Text, Chapter 5, II. The Voice for God, Jesus tells us that our divided devotion has given us two voices to serve at the altar. The decision then simply is which call is worth more to us at any given time.

Is the distracting thoughts more important than God?

Is what so-and-so said or did yesterday really that more important than peace?

Is the laundry list of “I have-to’s” really worth more than a quiet mind throughout the day?

Do I want peace or conflict?

Where is my dedication level today and every day?

Listening to the Voice of God takes practice and as Jesus also says in the same section stated previously, “It takes effort and great willingness to learn.” The Workbook Lessons assist us through 365 days of doing just so. We can listen to God’s Voice speak to us all through the day.

It is the decision of, “What is important to me my life right now?"

This can be done. You can do it! I can do it! We all can do it! We can make the decision to listen. Jesus has given us the steps and the encouragement and his assistance. We just need to accept it all within our minds and hearts. Jesus wants us to succeed, in fact we already have. Now it is just remembering that we have.

When you are tempted by the wrong voice, call on me to remind you how to heal by sharing my decision and making it stronger…. What we can accomplish together has no limits, because the Call for God is the Call to the unlimited. T-5.II.11:1,12:5

Listen in deep silence. Be very still and open your mind. Go past all the raucous shrieks and sick imaginings that cover your real thoughts and obscure your eternal link with God. Sink deep into the peace that waits for you beyond the frantic, riotous thoughts and sights and sounds of this insane world. You do not live here. We are trying to reach your real home. We are trying to reach the place where you are truly welcome. We are trying to reach God. W-49.4


If you will lay aside the ego's voice, however loudly it may seem to call; if you will not accept its petty gifts that give you nothing that you really want; if you will listen with an open mind, that has not told you what salvation is; then you will hear the mighty Voice of truth, quiet in power, strong in stillness, and completely certain in Its messages. W-106.1

Today He speaks to you. His Voice awaits your silence, for His Word can not be heard until your mind is quiet for a while, and meaningless desires have been stilled. Await His Word in quiet. There is peace within you to be called upon today, to help make ready your most holy mind to hear the Voice for its Creator speak. W-125.6

What more can I really share about this idea? It is just my thoughts and my words. I know what I need to do and that is to experience that of which I speak. And I do. I have made the dedication for many, many years to listening very deeply, listening in the silence. The profoundness of our Father is felt within. We can certainly share and extend to others as teachers of demonstration, but how can we truly do so if we ourselves have not taken the time to be in His Presence?

We are a society of words and soundbytes and instant gratification. We have forgotten about patience and silence in our modern society. The days of long gone by were of meals that took all day to cook. The smell of bread rising and baking on the hearth warmed the air. The nights that were spent sitting around the fire together reading or sharing or simply looking into that same fire reflecting on one’s life strengthening one’s inner soul.

But those days have not gone by, we can stop and sit by the fireside of God’s Love at any time. We are welcome in His Home. The table is prepared for the banquet feast. The seating arrangement is circular and comfortable. He stands ready to serve us, are we not ready to serve Him?

Serve Him today and yourself by spending the time in silence.

Do you need assistance in cutting through the weeds of the mind? Try journaling a few pages of releasing all the thoughts that choke the light out. Make it a prayer or even as a friend of ours does, as a “Dear Holy Spirit” letter. Holy Spirit is our Friend and He is waiting for us. We can talk to Him just as we talk to our friends here. He loves us and cares for us and never judges us. He only wants the best for us. With His care and His assistance, He will help us hear His Words more and more each day. Our part is to offer the effort and great willingness. And this, we can do.

Namaste,

Rev. Deb Phelps

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