I've found that the methodology Mark gives (when re-reading Richard Fosters "Celebration of Discipline" I realised it has a lot in common with Christian meditation) has lead to me "hearing" God at other times in different ways. Reading the Bible now from page one I see God said, a person said, God said, and so on. I realised I'd forgotten things I was taught when I first became a Christian. Probably this was partly because it was so removed from most of my "reality" it never became my life.

Not long ago I read through the discussions I've had with God in the last month. It was encouraging to see that I've been learning new things - and adjusting my thoughts quite significantly. But I also saw I hadn't actually done much of the new stuff God had laid before me. Sadly that's been a pattern in my life - and I don't think I'm the only one like that.

We draw near to God as best we can. But if it stays as a dialogue and doesn't work its way into our lives, aren't we still hearers rather than doers? It's very simple. Almost too simple. Just do the next thing you're reasonably certain Jesus wants you to do. But what does Jesus want from every person? To hear Him and to obey Him. Is there anything else? This gives new meaning to the "circle of life".