John 14:26: "The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you."

What does Scripture say about the Holy Spirit? John 14-16 tells you a lot. I suggest you study and meditate on these chapters. Here are a few more job descriptions to ponder: 

1. He is equal with the Father and the Son (Matthew 28:19-20).
2. He has a mind and knows the will of God (Romans 8:27).
3. He leads (Acts 16:10).
4. He speaks (Acts 8:29).
5. He loves (Romans 15:30).
6. He prays for us (Romans 8:26).
7. He is the Spirit of truth (John 14:17).

John 10:27: "My sheep hear My voice and I know them and they know me."

Since the Holy Spirit is our teacher and since He brings to mind all that Jesus said, we are expected to hear His instructions.

What are some of the ways the Holy Spirit helps us hear?

1. Scripture: This is the most common way, and that's why including your Bible in your daily quiet time is so important.
2. Sermons, teachings, Christian books, devotionals
3. Dreams and visions: Many are symbolism.
4. Worship: This often leads you into an awareness of His closeness to you.
5. Other people: Even a child may say something that grabs your attention.
6. Words of wisdom/knowledge: These are supernaturally given as gifts from the Holy Spirit. Knowledge gives you information about something or someone you would not know in the natural. Wisdom tells you what to do with the information.
7. Nature: Beach, mountains, forests, national parks. The majesty of some of these can only be attributed to a mighty God.
8. Audibly: This is very rare.

Because we are all uniquely made, the Holy Spirit knows just how to get your attention. He is never limited.

How do you discern whose voice you’re hearing?

1. If it's the Holy Spirit: When He is speaking on behalf of Jesus, it will almost always encourage you, bring hope, comfort, direction, and peace. It will usually be specific, positive, and line up with Scripture. He will LEAD you, not DRIVE you, and will always draw you closer to Jesus.
2. If it's the enemy: It will bring confusion, sometimes fear, condemnation, and guilt. It will be negative and is not usually specific. He will DRIVE you and cause you to be impulsive. All of these should be red flags.
3. If it's our own desires: You will usually hear what you want to as it will be coming out of your emotions or your "soulish" realm. This is where we are most apt to discern incorrectly. Never make an important decision when you are going through an emotional time or crisis in your life. Wait and keep on praying.

When you think you are hearing something, ask yourself WHY is He telling me this? What am I supposed to do with the information? Usually there will be four parts to something you are hearing: revelation (what you hear), interpretation (what does it mean?), application (what do I do with the information?), and timing (when am I supposed to act upon it, if at all?).

These are things that must line up when you think you are hearing from the Holy One:

1. It will never contradict Scripture.
2. It needs to feel right in your spirit (peaceful).
3. It needs to line up with something relevant (not something that has no meaning to you).

When you are having your daily quiet time, reading your Scripture and praying, invite the Holy Spirit to COME, teach you, order your thoughts, and give you ears to hear. I promise it will enrich your prayer life and draw you closer to the Lord Jesus.