When I first arrived in Guatemala, everything felt loud. New place, new people, new ministry, new expectations. In the middle of all of that, The Art of Listening Prayer by Seth Barnes ended up shaping my time here more than I expected. Reading this book forced me to slow down. Barnes talks about listening prayer as something intentional, not something that just happens when life gets quiet. That hit me hard because life here doesn’t really slow down. Days are full, shared spaces are noisy, and there’s always something happening. This book taught me that if I want to hear God, I have to make space for Him on purpose, not just at the end of the day when I’m exhausted. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is letting go of the pressure to perform. It’s easy in missions to measure your time by how useful you feel or how much fruit you can see. Barnes keeps pointing back to obedience instead of outcomes, and that has helped me stay grounded. Listening prayer has reminded me that my job isn’t to have it all figured out; it’s to stay faithful and present with God.

What surprised me most is that this book isn’t just for people overseas or in missions. Even back home, with normal routines and familiar spaces, listening can be just as hard. Distraction doesn’t disappear when life feels comfortable; it just looks different. This book challenges anyone, no matter where they are, to slow down, pay attention, and make room for God in the middle of everyday life. As I continue my time in Guatemala, this book has given me a rhythm that steadies me. It’s taught me to show up even when prayer feels ordinary and to trust that God is still working in the quiet moments. Learning to listen has changed how I steward my time here, and it’s something I know I’ll carry with me long after I leave.

Everyone should give this book a read. It's not just a book or story; it's a 26-day devotional that teaches you how to listen to the voice of the Lord! Stay tuned for more blogs about my time in Guatemala!