THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK - From Vicar Geoff – 16th October 2025
Listening for the still small voice of God
One of my favourite hymns is ‘Dear Lord and Father of Mankind’, mainly because of the last few lines of the 4th verse, which go … speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire, O still small voice of calm, O still small voice of calm!
We all live such busy, complicated and noisy lives, yet our God who created the heavens and the earth, does not usually speak in a loud booming voice, but in a still small voice of calm. Yes, there are occasions where He makes his voice known to all, such as when Jesus is baptised and God speaks out,
17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)
God enjoys that intimate one to one with each of us. Sometimes that can be in prayer, other times when we least expect to hear from Him. But that should not be considered unusual. If we know and love God, I believe He wants to be communicating with us regularly and often. He wants us to hear from Him. But are we listening?
We need to be ready and open to hear from God, as part of our ongoing relationship with Him through Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit. We can prepare ourselves to do this by setting ourselves a part to listen to Him in prayer. I was recently at Ripon Cathedral when I heard God speak clearly into my life, at a time when I really needed to hear from Him. I was struggling and hurting, and He brought a word of life, encouragement and comfort.
When did you last set time apart to ear from God? You don’t need to go away on retreat or sit in a church building in silence; you simply need to be open to hearing His voice. Why not give it a go? Tell God you are listening and then hear Him speak.
Pray for …
The ceasefire in Israel and Palestine to hold
For peace to be achieved in the Ukraine
The coming together of the ABC & AAA Churches and Villages to form a Mission and Ministry Unit
The appointment of God’s person as our Children, Youth and Families Worker
Give thanks for ….
Our new Licenced Lay Ministers
President Trump in his negotiations for a peace deal
God’s provision to meet our every need
Our new Archdeacon of York,