I want to learn how to listen to God.

I'll be honest: listening to God is very difficult for me.  Whenever someone talks about "listening to God" or "hearing from Him," I think about my life and what God's voice might sound like. 

In 1 Samuel 3, the Lord calls the young Samuel.  Initially, because Samuel knows about God but doesn't actually know God, he mistakes the Lord's voice for that of Eli.  After some confusion, Eli finally realizes that it is the Lord who is calling out for Samuel, and Eli tells Samuel to respond by saying "Speak, Lord, for your servant hears."

Here's what I'm learning from this passage.

First, listening to God requires you to be intimate with Him.  The few times when I have been absolutely sure that God has spoken to me have been the times when I was most in tune with His Spirit.  Samuel thought it was Eli calling out to him because he had yet to have a personal encounter with God.

Second, listening to God requires a response.  When Eli realizes that it is God calling for Samuel, he tells him to respond by saying "Speak, Lord."  I'm not sure that you can clearly hear God's voice if you're not actively thinking about responding to it.

Third, listening to God requires obedience.  The words Samuel uses in his response to God's call are telling: "your servant hears."  Listening and responding aren't quite enough when God calls - His voice doesn't produce fruit in our lives until we act on it.  We are servants - so let us be obedient.