Teaching Preschoolers to Hear God’s Voice

Jesus loves you so much! He wants to help you every day. To follow Him, we can learn to know His voice, just like you know Mommy or Daddy’s voice. Jesus doesn't talk with a mouth like we do, but He talks to our hearts.

Here are four ways Jesus talks to us:

1. Through the Bible

The Bible is God’s special book. God speaks to our hearts as we read and hear the Bible. For example, God helps us feel brave. Just like David was brave against the giant, God can help you feel brave too!

2. Peace in Your Heart

Have you ever felt "yucky" inside when you didn't listen to your parents or teacher? Jesus gives us the opposite feeling—a happy, calm peace! When you feel that quiet peace in your heart, it’s like Jesus saying, "You’re doing a great job!" Listen for that peace in your heart all day.

3. Circumstances

Sometimes things just work out perfectly. When that happens, it may be God’s plan. Let’s say a friend offers you a ride to a fun church camp, that might be Jesus saying, "Yes, I want you to go!" Always check for that happy peace in your heart first.

4. Still, Small Voice

Jesus lives in your heart! Sometimes He gives you a "quiet whisper" in your mind. Jesus may give you a picture in your mind. He may let you feel someone else’s sadness or happiness. You might think of a friend who is having a bad day and want to give them a hug. That is Jesus speaking in your heart. To make sure it is Jesus’ voice, listen for that peace in your heart.

Now let’s practice hearing God’s voice:

Activations are designed to give the child(ren) an opportunity to encounter the Holy Spirit for themselves.

1.     Lead the child(ren) to pray out loud a prayer of consecration, such as: Dear Jesus, here are my hands and my feet. I give You my whole self! I give You my eyes to see, my ears to hear, my nose to smell, my mouth to taste, and my hands to touch. Help me use them to love You and make You happy today. Amen.

2.     Create an atmosphere to hear from God by playing worship music and praying for His presence to come. Encourage them to draw the pictures God gives them as they worship. Have them ask God what the picture means. Emphasize this is how they hear from God.

3.     Give each child an age-appropriate Bible. Have them ask God to highlight a story or picture to them. Have them ask God to tell/show them something about that story or picture for themselves or a friend. Give them colors to record what they hear/see.

4.     Pray through your extended family (or Sunday school class, or neighbors). Have the children ask God to highlight one person. Ask God what He would say to that person if they were standing there. If appropriate, write God’s words in a note to that person.

5.     Have your children help you create a special spot in your house for each child to have “quiet time” with the Lord. Maybe it is a tent in their room or a special blanket or pillow to sit on. Make a basket with an age-appropriate Bible, journal, and art supplies to leave in the space or take to the space. Let them see you using your “quiet time” spot.

6.     Get some poster board and markers to create a “Blessing Board.” As a family, decide in what areas you want to see God working (home, school, dreams, hearts, friends, etc.) When you see God moving in those areas, record the blessings on the board for the whole family to see. Note how answered prayers are one of the many ways we hear from God.

7.     Begin a spiritual journal for each child if you haven’t already. Record their encounters with Jesus so they can look back and see that they really do hear from God.