Listening to God

In this sermon by Rich Hart, the focus is on developing the discipline of listening to God in the midst of life’s constant noise and distractions. Using the story of Samuel from 1 Samuel 3, Hart describes how Israel suffered spiritually when its leaders stopped listening to God, but experienced renewal when Samuel humbly responded to God’s call with the prayer, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”

Rich draws a parallel between the clutter in our lives—like busyness, technology, and worry—and debris that blocks a mountain spring, explaining that such distractions can prevent us from hearing God’s voice. He emphasizes that attentive listening to God is a skill that can be cultivated: by making room for stillness, setting aside distractions, and being intentional in prayer.

The sermon highlights three main points: listening to God must be cultivated, it brings a sense of responsibility to act or share when we hear from Him, and it impacts those around us—our families, communities, and beyond. Rich concludes by challenging listeners to pray, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening,” reminding them that both they and those around them are transformed when they truly hear—and respond to—God’s word.