How to Ask God a Specific Question (and Actually Hear an Answer)

I was talking to a client once who had a meeting scheduled. She recognized the roles of all of the other participants, but not her own. Why was she supposed to be in the meeting?

I said, “We can ask the Lord about that. Lord Jesus, why is she going to be in the meeting today?“

We were silent for maybe a minute, and she said, “I heard ‘hospitality’ and ‘connection.’ And I understand hospitality, because that’s what I do naturally. I’m from the South, and I am hospitable. But I don’t understand connection. I’ll have to think about that one.”

So I said, “Oh, well! Let’s ask again. Jesus, thank you that you speak to us. We are so grateful. Thank you for the clarity about ‘hospitality.’ But we don’t understand ‘connection.’ What does that mean, practically, for this call?”

We were silent again. And after a few seconds she said, “I’m supposed to clarify the conversation at each point. So I’ll summarize what each person says, to make sure that we are all on the same page.”

And that was so beautiful, because independently as we prayed that day, we had both been thinking about and praying against miscommunication. And here she was, ready to serve as the answer to her prayer and mine!

She said, “I ask the Lord for wisdom all the time, but I have never thought that I could actually just ask the Lord really specific questions and expect an answer. This is absolutely revolutionary for me.”

I mentioned then: if you ask the Lord a question, and he doesn’t answer, you could ask other questions, like, Jesus, what are you excited to answer? Or what question do you want me to ask?

Because I have found that he wants to talk to me, but he doesn’t always want to talk to me about the same things I want to talk about … at least not at first.

Lord, Jesus, thank you that you say in your word, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me.” Thank you that you speak to us. I ask that we would come and listen to you, and that when we do, we would hear your voice clearly. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

I always thank my God for you,

Amy Joy

P.S. Near the end of 2024 I did a five hour training on how to hear God’s voice. Absolutely life-changing information. You can access the four recordings on my podcast: Part 1 • Part 2 • Part 3 • Part 4

Does God actually care about our work?

Yes! Far more than most of us were ever taught! Get a short, free reflection on why work—the place we spend the most waking hours most weeks—matters to him.

(And if you're already longing to be prayed for, by name, you can begin a week of prayer coverage, our treat, at prayercoverage.co.)