Episode 118: Hearing God as a group

Episode 118: Hearing God as a group

Jul 19, 2026 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Hearing God as a group can get messy, but depending on your focus, that can be great. Join us as we unpack guidelines and expectations for hearing God as a group and explain how to pray in a flow, so the group stays on the same track during the prayer time.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: Have clear guidelines and expectations for the group.

  • The group’s culture is important. Have clarity about the culture of the group you’re creating and will continue to create.
  • Is it an open or closed group? If it is an open group, it can be great to have an empty seat and pray for the next person to fill that seat.
  • You may need a limited membership depending on the group’s focus, and try to stay on track as you pray.
  • Legalism can stifle the flow of the Spirit. When you have rules that you have to ‘be’ or ‘do’ to be in the group, then that can stifle the flow of the Holy Spirit.
  • Respect others.
  • Safety is important. Have safeguards in place. Look at the group’s membership. Is it open to everyone? Are there requirements to join? Has there been conflict or members expelled or judged unfairly? This will affect hearing God as a group. So look at any blocks within the group re hearing God and praying. Don’t surround yourself with ‘yes’ people – that can be dangerous.
  • Trust is important. If you are seeking God for an answer to a particular question, and you are beginning as a group or trust isn’t evident, then write anonymously the answer you get. Otherwise, it can be consensus instead of discernment.
  • Basically, build trust and safety. Confidentiality – what is said in the group remains in the group, etc. You’re also not there to ‘fix’ people or share your similar experience. You don’t want advice givers.
  • A great group is where everyone feels valued and can contribute.
  • Variety is great in prayer styles – beginners, seasoned pray-ers, authoritative prayers, list prayers, decreeing and declaring. Know your authority in Christ and pray accordingly.

Second Principle: Go with the flow.

  • Nothing worse than praying on one topic and someone then changes it, like being on a train heading North and suddenly going West.
  • Be okay with silence.
  • Look for confirmation. Pay attention to themes and overlaps.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:40 “But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” Or as The Message version puts it: “Be courteous and considerate.”
  • Romans 8:16 – the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit.
  • Minimise doubt by acting quickly.

Third Principle: Community is important.

  • Hearing God as a community safeguards against individual bias or extremes.
  • We always emphasise that part of our discernment process in hearing God is to run it past wise, trusted, discerning people.
  • Provides accountability and confirmation so as not to go off on a tangent with personal bias, etc. Part of the testing and weighing process.
  • 1 John 4:1 & 1 Corinthians 14:29 both encourage testing of what you hear.
  • The responsibility to test it lies with the person/people who are responsible for the outcome, e.g., Acts 10 & 11 are a great example of taking the Gospel to non-Jews/Gentiles. Both Cornelius and Peter had separate visions. Then Peter went to the Jewish Council to confirm the way forward. This was a major change, as it opened up the whole world to the Gospel.
  • Deuteronomy 18:15-22 talks about how in the OT, if what a prophet said came to fruition, you knew it was from God. But that could take years. The Spirit of God only came on the prophets back then under the old covenant. Since Jesus was on earth, died, and was resurrected, the Holy Spirit came (Acts 1), and we can all hear God speak.
  • We are called to be in community. No man is an island.
  • Don’t chase prophetic words. A prophetic word only confirms what God has already been showing you.

Summary:

  1. Have clear guidelines and expectations for the group.
  2. Go with the flow.
  3. Community is important.

Prophetic activation:

Because we’re talking about hearing God as a group today, ask a friend to join you. Grab envelopes, paper and pens. Each write a name on the front of an envelope, then hand it to your friend without them seeing the name. They will ask God what to write for that person, while you ask God what to write for the person your friend wrote on the other envelope. After you have finished writing a letter to them from God, place the letter in the envelope and give it to the person named on the front.

Time Stamps:

[0:47] – Gary & Jane share how they have heard God this week.

[3:34] – Introduction to topic.

[4:34] – First principle: Have clear guidelines and expectations for the group.

[9:39] – Second principle: Go with the flow.

[112:03] – Third principle: Community is important.

[16:38] – Summary.

[17:02] – Prophetic activation.

[18:19] – Gary & Jane share a prophetic word for a listener.

[20:30] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Joshua 1:6-9
  • 1 Corinthians 14:40
  • Romans 8:16
  • 1 John 4:1
  • 1 Corinthians 14:29
  • Acts 10 & 11
  • Deuteronomy 18:15-22
  • Acts 1

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading you to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 117: Hearing God when I am desperate and stressed

Episode 117: Hearing God when I am desperate and stressed

Jul 12, 2026 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

When life seems to be falling apart, an important decision needs to be made, or you are really stressed, do you struggle to know God’s thoughts and what He would have you do? This is often a time when we doubt we can hear God, even though we are desperately seeking Him. Join us as we flesh out these thoughts and offer practical strategies to help you hear God’s voice the next time you feel desperate and stressed.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: Ask for help

  • Ask for help/prayer from others.
  • Ask God to break through any clutter and noise.
  • Romans 8:34 Jesus is at the right hand of God interceding for us. I love the following verses 37-39, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
  • Run to God – Psalm 46:10 – “Be still and know that I am God.”
  • Matt 11:28 – 30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
  • Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
  • Psalm 63:8 David stated, when facing being killed – “I cling to you. Your right hand upholds me”.
  • Luke 6:12 – Jesus prayed all night before making the major decision of choosing his 12 disciples.

Second Principle: Look at why you are desperate and stressed

  • Is it an internal or an external lack of peace?
  • Is it related to a major decision or a sin?
  • Will it matter in a few months/year?
  • Address physical issues, e.g., tired / sleep deprived, workload,
  • 1 Kings 19 – Elijah had just had a massive victory of showing up the prophets of Baal, and then next minute he’s scared and running for his life. He was tired and hungry. He prayed to God to kill him. God sent an angel to give him something to eat and to rest.
  • Is there an ‘end in sight’, e.g., end of study, etc?
  • Write down all the stuff stressing you – go from the abstract to the concrete. Seeing it in black and white can help. Chase inner peace.
  • Then ask God, “What are your thoughts, God, about this?”
  • May need to ask God a different question.
  • What are the things I can’t change?

Third Principle: Cultivate your relationship with God before stuff happens.

  • When kids were small, we would brainstorm what to do in adverse circumstances, e.g., at a party – code word.
  • Practice hearing God’s voice.
  • Practice turning first to God in all things.
  • Brainstorm scenarios and strategies/responses.

Summary:

  1. Ask for help.
  2. Look at why you are desperate or stressed.
  3. Cultivate your relationship with God before stuff happens.

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him:

  • “God, can You please bring to mind any decisions I need to make in the next few days?” (You may want to write them down.)
  • “God, can You please give me Heaven’s perspective, or the view from Heaven, on these decisions?”

Time Stamps:

[1:13] – Gary & Jane share how they have heard God this week.

[5:11] – Introduction to topic.

[6:28] – First principle: Ask for help.

[10:21] – Second principle: Look at why you are desperate and stressed.

[20:01] – Third principle: Cultivate your relationship with God before stuff happens.

[21:39] – Summary.

[22:21] – Prophetic activation.

[23:34] – Gary & Jane share a prophetic word for a listener.

[25:16] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Romans 8:34,37-39
  • Psalm 46:10
  • Matthew 11:28-30
  • Philippians 4:6-7
  • Psalm 63:8
  • Luke 6:12
  • 1 Kings 19

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading you to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 114: Hearing God about a career change – part 2

Episode 114: Hearing God about a career change – part 2

Jun 21, 2026 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Has your identity been based in your career? Is fear holding you back from making a change, or is the opportunity to change your career a distraction? Join us for part 2 of hearing God about a career change as we unpack these topics and share principles and tips for hearing God when discerning career changes.

Episode Notes:

Links to previous episodes:

  • Episode 71 – Will God tell me what to do with my life? (Looked at Daniel 5:5 where the fingers of a human hand appeared during a banquet of 1,000 nobles and wrote on the wall that basically he would die and he died that very night. God’s will for your life is not singular or solitary. Also, your identity is not in what you do but who you are.)
  • Episode 85 – Young adults and hearing God – a time of major decision-making.
  • Episode 98 – Hearing God about my vocation.
  • Episode 113: Hearing God about a career change part 1.

First Principle: Look at your discernment process.

  • Inner peace.
  • Align with the Bible
  • Wise, trusted people
  • Does this reflect the heart and character of Jesus?
  • Motivation – why change your career?
  • Are you content in all areas of your life?
  • Have you fasted and prayed? Luke 6:12 – Jesus selecting disciples
  • Be careful about rushing. God is outside of time. It’s a balance between not getting sucked into the thinking that you will never have an opportunity like this again and never making a decision, and being prepared to jump at the right opportunity quickly. I usually find that things like that don’t occur in isolation. There has already been a stirring in your heart. Great idea to journal so you can look at the last few months and see how God has been preparing you.
  • Gary shares how it can be like a dance with God, and we have a part to play.
  • Have others support you in prayer.
  • Discussed the will of God and whether God would make it occur no matter what.

Second Principle: Faith versus fear.

  • What do you fear? Is fear holding you back?
  • Is this opportunity a distraction?
  • Eric Liddell in Chariots of Fire “I believe God made me for a purpose – for China. But He also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure….To win is to honor Him.” (i.e. it doesn’t have to be either or, it can be both)
  • Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade – scene with the stepping stones appearing over the chasm.
  • Check your motivation – seek God first. Matt 6:33, Luke 12:31
  • Our career is not our identity. Step back and ask God – “What is happening?”, “What is my identity?”, “Has my identity been based in that role?”
  • Faith step
  • Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord and He will direct your path.
  • James 1:5-8 – ask for wisdom. Believe and do not be double-minded.
  • Be kind to yourself.
  • Discussed when we don’t have a choice re transitioning in our career.

Third Principle: Ask God direct questions.

  • Test.
  • Gideon in Judges 6:36-40 needed extra time and confirmation, so he asked God for a fleece (wool fleece to be wet with dew and ground around it dry), then another fleece (the opposite – wool dry and ground around it wet)
  • Basically, want to align with the Word of God and God’s plans.
  • Micah 6:8b “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
  • John 13:35 “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
  • Gary shared about a time when he asked God for a fleece.

Summary:

  1. Look at your discernment process.
  2. Faith versus fear.
  3. Ask God direct questions.

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him:

  • “God, if the segments/decisions/activities of my life were suitcases or bags, which bag would I want You to carry for me at the moment?”
  • “God, what do I need to know about that ‘bag’ now?”
  • “God, is there anything I need to do about any of the bags at the moment?”

Time Stamps:

[0:39] – Gary & Jane share how they have heard God this week.

[3:09] – Introduction to the topic and links to previous episodes.

[3:54] – First principle: Look at your discernment process.

[7:21] – Talking about the will of God.

[9:46] – Second principle: Faith versus fear.

[12:32] – Discussing if we have a choice in the transition and the implications.

[15:45] – Third principle: Ask God direct questions, or a different question.

[16:45] – A time when Gary asked God for a fleece.

[19:25] – Summary.

[19:48] – Prophetic activation.

[21:02] – Gary & Jane share a prophetic word for a listener.

[23:14] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Luke 6:12
  • Matthew 6:33
  • Luke 12:31
  • Proverbs 3:5-6
  • James 1:5-8
  • Judges 6:36-40
  • Micah 6:8b
  • John 13:35
  • Hebrews 12:1-3

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading you to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 113: Hearing God about a career change part 1

Episode 113: Hearing God about a career change part 1

Jun 14, 2026 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Are you looking at a career change? Life is generally not a straight road, nor is it generally a 100-metre dash. It is often a marathon of intersections, curves, detours, wait zones and the occasional ‘wrong’ exit. Join us for part 1 of hearing God about a career change as we share about different times of transition in our lives, as we discerned God’s call and what we should do next, including valuable tips for hearing God about your career transitions.

Episode Notes:

  • Life is generally not a straight road, nor is it generally a 100-metre dash. It is often a marathon of curves, detours, intersections, wait zones and the occasional ‘wrong’ exit.
  • Often, it can depend on whether we have a choice in the process, or it is forced upon us.
  • It may also be dependent on timing, e.g. Joseph in Genesis 37-40.
  • Gary shared about his career changes. He emphasised having a real sense from God regarding the timing of any changes, and it should not just be a knee-jerk reaction to a challenging situation that God may be using to develop your character.
  • Jane shared about her career changes and the decision-making process with that.
  • Daniel 5:5, where the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the wall – wouldn’t that make it so much easier!!
  • What we may think is a great career change, God may be in the fact that we don’t get the job.
  • There are ‘guard rails’ to operate within, and God gives us a lot of freedom within those ‘guard rails’.
  • Tips for hearing God include prayer and fasting, searching the Bible for principles, and finding one or two wise, trusted people who ask great questions to try to unpack what’s happening for you and your motivations.
  • Examples of Jane praying specifically for five to seven points for her children’s jobs.
  • You don’t want to have regrets. Give it a go.

Summary of what we’ve looked at today:

  • Gary & Jane both share their career changes and the decision-making processes behind those changes.
  • Some tips when trying to hear God about a career change.

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him:

  • “God, is there something about a decision I’m facing at the moment that I would regret if I don’t do it?”
  • “God, what is something I would love to do but I haven’t yet had the opportunity to do?”

Time Stamps:

[0:53] – Gary & Jane share how they have heard God this week.

[5:28] – Introduction to the topic and links to previous episodes.

[6:11] – Gary shares his career changes and his decision-making processes.

[11:15] – Jane shares her career changes and her decision-making processes.

[18:35] – Some tips for hearing God about decisions.

[20:24] – Jane shares about specific prayer points she used for her children’s jobs.

[21:49] – Jane shares about an audible voice to homeschool their children.

[23:42] – You don’t want to have regrets.

[24:48] – Summary.

[25:25] – Prophetic activation.

[26:28] – Gary & Jane share a prophetic word for a listener.

[29:04] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Genesis 37-40
  • Daniel 5:5

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading you to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 111: Hearing God amidst noise and chaos

Episode 111: Hearing God amidst noise and chaos

May 31, 2026 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

We can hear God in the quiet as well as amongst the noise. Often, it can depend on whether the noise and chaos are internal or external. Join us in this episode of the Hearing God Podcast as we unpack this topic.

Episode Notes:

First Point: What is the chaos and noise?

  • Chaos and confusion come from Satan, but not always.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:33 “For God is not a God of confusion or disorder, but of peace.” The Message Bible puts it, “God doesn’t stir us up into confusion; he brings us into harmony.”
  • Is the chaos and noise inside you or around you?
  • Are you at peace? It is easier to hear God if you have inner peace. Then there is no competition for your attention.

Second Principle: Ask God the source of the chaos and noise, and what your response could be.

  • If it is noisy around you and you are struggling to hear God, remove yourself or participate in a way you know how.

Third Point: Regularly set aside time and a quiet place to hear God.

  • Create a prayer closet. (Movie – War Room)
  • Practice hearing God in the quiet so that you are prepared if amidst noise and chaos.

Summary:

  1. In hearing God amidst chaos and noise, look at what the chaos is.
  2. Ask God the source of the noise and chaos, and what your response could be.
  3. Regularly set aside time and a quiet place to hear God.

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him:

  • “God, is there noise and chaos in my life I need to deal with or get rid of?”
  • “God, if so, what can I do about that?”

Time Stamps:

[0:36] – Gary & Jane share how they have heard God this week.

[4:21] – What is the chaos and noise?

[6:37] – Ask God the source and what your response could be.

[9:30] – Regularly set aside time and a quiet place to hear God.

[14:50] – Summary.

[15:25] – Prophetic activation.

[16:33] – Gary & Jane share a prophetic word for a listener.

[18:17] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • John 10:10
  • 1 Corinthians 14:33
  • Isaiah 43:1

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading you to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.