practices; they are those who draw their life from a
conversational relationship with God.” 1
When speaking of his role models, Peter Marshall always
pointed to those who were personally acquainted with God
from centuries earlier: George Müller of Bristol, Dr. George
Washington Carver, Thomas à Kempis, to name a few. He
referred to their letters, journals, and biographies. His mentors
in the faith inspired him with their detailed, written records of
how God dealt with them—when and where God talked to
them, publicly professing what they believed God said when
He talked to them. 2
Peter Marshall encouraged not only leaders but everyone to
talk to God about everything. “Just be honest with God,” he
challenged the collegians, congressmen, and members of his
congregation to whom he spoke. “Just listen to God,” he
invited. His public prayers perfectly presented the way to God:
“We confess before Thee that our ears are often deaf to the
whisper of Thy call, our eyes often blind to the signs of Thy
guidance. Make us willing to be changed, even though it
requires surgery of the soul and the therapy of discipline.” 3
God talks to those who humbly bring themselves before Him
—young or old—to hear Him speak.
Why do we complicate what is so simple?
What do you lose by listening to the God who loves and
lives today, who created man and moon and who wants to talk
to you?
I encourage you to humble yourself before God. Open your
ears and your heart to His voice. Listen. Wait. Tell Him you
need Him. Ask Him to speak to you. Ask Him for courage and
hope. Tell Him that you are struggling, that you are weak and