You Too Busy to Hear God’s Voice?

Summary

The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast
Episode: You Too Busy to Hear God’s Voice?
Date: April 7, 2026
Host: Candace Cameron Bure (B)
Guest: Francis Chan (A)

---

Episode Overview

This episode, featuring guest Francis Chan, explores how busyness, distraction, and modern life can hinder our ability to hear God’s voice. Through personal stories, biblical wisdom, and candid dialogue, Candace and Francis discuss generational faith, the challenge and beauty of genuine prayer, divine revelation, and practical ways to cultivate a real relationship with God in today’s fast-paced world.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Generational Differences in Faith Backgrounds

• Francis (A) reflects on the “gap” between his own upbringing, which lacked a loving father figure, and Candace’s. He notes most listeners probably fall "somewhere in the middle" between their experiences (04:01).
  • Quote (A): "The majority is going to be in between there. ... For God to reveal his love, it's not like it was easier for him to reveal it to you than it was to me. ... It takes a miracle." (04:13)
• Even with different backgrounds, both agree personal transformation is always miraculous, regardless of family roots.
• Both pray that listeners would experience “that supernatural moment” when God’s love becomes real (05:45–06:07).

2. Family and Ministry Updates

• Francis shares a warm update on his family: seven children, five grandkids, and deepening love for his wife, Lisa (06:17–09:14).

  • Shalom (peace) is how he describes his current season of life (06:25).
  • Proudly recalls family worship sessions and moments of laughter (07:35–09:14).

• He transitions to discussing his ministry: he's handing off leadership to focus on investing in younger generations, inspired by Numbers 8 (10:09–14:57).

  • Quote (A): "My job is to ensure that the next generation leads in this sacred way and leads better than I do." (13:01)

  • He emphasizes the biblical model: older leaders should step back while still actively mentoring and “lighting the candle” for younger leaders (13:00–14:57).

3. Intergenerational Mentorship in the Church

• Candace brings up examples from her family and church—her son Lev and their pastor Dudley Rutherford, who gives young men preaching opportunities (17:46–19:00).
  • Quote (B): “As a mother, we need the support of the church like that…to encourage…our kids in that way. But to have strong leaders within the church come up alongside our young men…” (20:00–20:19)
• Francis affirms the importance of older mentors (“Ron Wilson changed my life”) and commits to connecting with Lev as well (16:06–21:23).

4. The Practice and Power of Prayer

• Listener Question: Olivia asks for advice on learning how to pray, admitting she feels awkward even alone (24:50).

• Francis offers step-by-step advice (25:26–35:01):

  • Recognize who you’re speaking to—pause, meditate, and “guard your steps” (Ecclesiastes 5).

  • Prayer is not just listing requests; it begins with awe and recognition of God’s holiness and grace.

  • Relational focus: Don’t just “give a speech,” but seek to love God and the people you’re praying with or for.

  • Prayer can bring inexplicable peace and confidence in God’s love—and sometimes doesn’t even need words.

  • Quote (A): “I sit and I think about who he is. And I’m usually on my knees...It’s almost like once I get thinking, then...I forgot what I was going to ask you, Lord.” (29:12–30:45)

  • Prayer is both conversation and listening; sometimes God speaks directly to the heart, not always audibly.

5. Understanding Revelation – Big and Small

• Candace and Francis discuss what “revelation” looks like (35:01–46:25):

  • Not always a dramatic, thunderous moment—sometimes it's deep, unexplainable, inward conviction or clarity.
  • Francis describes a moment when he internally heard “These are your children. Protect your children” before a speaking engagement; a stranger then audibly confirmed it—an eerie but affirming experience (38:35–41:24).
  • Candace shares an experience of hearing God’s instruction in her spirit while reading Francis’s book—clear and undeniable, but not audible (41:44–43:08).
  • Francis cites Romans 5:5—God’s love is “poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit,” not just our minds.
  • Revelation can come through scripture, through a spiritual impression, through godly conviction.

6. The Danger of Distraction

• Francis laments how modern technology and busyness diminish our capacity to hear from God (43:17–46:25):

  • Quote (A): “A lot of you listening...don’t know how to sit in silence and meditate because your mind’s going so fast. ... You’re so busy doing so many things that he wanted to tell you that he loved you...But you’re scared of missing out on all these other things… and you’re going to miss out [on] the greatest revelation.” (44:17–46:25)

  • He encourages listeners to develop the discipline of stillness, sobriety, and attentiveness as keys to deepening prayer and receiving revelation.

---

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Francis (on spiritual maturation and legacy):
  • “The stupidest thing I could do is put myself on a pedestal and go, no, look at me. Watch me burn. No, the smartest thing I could do, wisest thing, is to light the candle...of my son, who has his whole life ahead of him…” (13:01–14:57)
• On Prayer:
  • "Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near, to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools..." (25:26–29:11)
  • “I may not hear an audible voice. I may not see a vision...But I could walk away knowing that he loves me and being convinced that I’m forgiven and receive grace in some supernatural way...” (30:45–35:01)
• Candace (on hearing God):
  • “It was very clear that God was like, this is what I need you to focus on right now. I’m like, oh, I got it. Okay.” (42:49–43:08)
• Francis (on distraction):
  • “You should be afraid of missing out on God’s voice. ... [Or] you come to the end of your life and realize you missed out on the greatest revelation you could have had because you were satisfying yourself with all these stupid little, you know, three second videos...” (45:17–46:25)

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Generational Faith and Life Seasons: 04:01–14:57
• Mentorship and Intergenerational Leadership: 14:57–21:23
• Listener Q&A – How to Pray Deeply: 24:50–35:01
• Revelation: What It Is and How It Happens: 35:01–43:17
• Distraction and the Practice of Stillness: 43:17–46:25

---

Takeaways

• Slowing down and making room for silence is critical for hearing God’s voice.
• Mentorship and investing in the next generation, inside and outside the church, is a vital legacy.
• Prayer is deepened not by eloquence but by reverence, intentionality, and relationship.
• Revelation may be dramatic, but it most often comes as a quiet, profound conviction—available to all who ask and wait.
• In our hyper-connected world, the greatest “fear of missing out” should be that we miss the voice, love, and leading of God.

---

For resources, guides, and further questions, visit Candace.com or join the Together Community.

Transcript

[A]

I hear this voice or this. I don't know how to describe it. It was just like these are your children. Protect your children. I'm sorry if I'm doubting this Lord, but God, did I just hear you say something to me? Pros Just because something on the job runs out doesn't mean you have to order it on the Lowe's app. My Lowe's Pro Rewards members get free same day delivery on eligible orders over $25. Get the fasteners, hardware or tools you need to keep the job mo order by 2pm and get eligible in stock items delivered right to your job site by 8pm members get more at Lowe's Loyalty program subject to terms and conditions subject to availability restrictions and terms@lowe's.com Shipping

[B]

terms subject to change for years, cereal's been sold as a healthy breakfast, but we all know the boxes are packed with that extra stuff your body does not need. That's where Lovebirds Cereal comes in. Lovebird was made by a dad who wanted a better cereal for his family. Their cereals have just seven real ingredients listed clearly on the front of every box. Honey O's for example, is made with buckwheat, cassava, coconut honey, vanilla and sea salt. That's it. The same simple whole food approach is used in all Lovebird flavors including cinnamon, cacao, strawberry and unsweetened. Lovebird cereals are organic, grain free, gluten free, support gut health and are third party tested glyphosate free. No refined sugar, no artificial flavors, just real food. Lovebird is also family owned. We love that and donates 20% of profits to fighting childhood cancer. Ready to take back your breakfast? Visit lovebirdfoods.com burre and use the code Bure. That's B U r e for 25% off or find Lovebird cereals at major retailers nationwide. I want to share something with you that's really close to my heart. The People of Israel I've always believed that some promises don't fade with time, and God's promise to Israel is one of them. Even when the world feels uncertain, that promise still stands. And I truly believe that now more than ever, we're called to show up with compassion, with kindness and with action. That's why I'm so honored to partner with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. For more than 40 years, they've been on the ground in Israel providing food, care and life saving help to those who need it most, especially the elderly and Holocaust survivors. Supporting people in need isn't just something I believe in. It's something I feel deeply called to do, and I hope you'll join me. To learn more and find out how you can help, visit ifcj.org that's ifcj.org. Life is like a roller coaster, but it's better when we go through it together. Welcome to the Candace Cameron Burry Podcast. We're here to share conversations about life's challenges, celebrations, and everything in between. If you're watching on YouTube, make sure to subscribe and click below to tap the bell so you'll always know about new episodes. Season 14 of my podcast is with my friend Francis Chan, and we're talking about the incredible love of God. Come join us. Hi, Francis. Welcome back.

[A]

Thank you. Always good to talk to you.

[B]

Yeah, you too. Last week had me in tears and some other people in the studio, but I. I really hope that people that were able to listen to that episode, that have heard it, that it just ministered to them deeply, resonated or has given them incredible hope that they haven't thought about in a long time.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I was thinking about it afterwards, like, there's such a gap between your upbringing and my upbringing. Like, it's. It's like, wow, God put these two extremes here today.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I thought, oh, that is so cool, because the majority is going to be in between there. And I think most of them are more on my side of just not really growing up trusting that their fathers love them. And I thought, oh, gosh, I think there's a lot of people listening that can relate to my story in some fashion. But it seems like, okay, we really gave them a lot of opportunity to fit in the middle somewhere. And yet the truth is, is it's going to take a miracle whether you grew up with a mom and dad who loved you or with parents who died at a young age and dad who didn't love you. For God to reveal his love, it's not like it was easier for him to reveal it to you than it was to me. It's just like, it takes a miracle.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I pray that even during this time as we're talking that whoever's listening, that you just don't really enjoy God. Like, you don't. You believe in him. You're trying to do these right things. But to say that you enjoy, like, you know what it is to have this romantic, like, love or passion or this relationship, and yet when it comes to God, it's other. It doesn't feel anything like that.

[B]

Right.

[A]

I'm Praying for that supernatural moment that as people are listening even right now, that God would just do that miracle that he did in your life. And sometimes it's a gradual thing and you know, same with me. But that there'd be a step like that where God reveal. Right now, reveal things to them. Yeah.

[B]

Amen. Praying that too.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So I would love for you to share a little bit about your family and your ministry today.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Where, where are you at? I don't even know. Like I need the catch up. I mean I, I know where you're

[A]

at, but yeah, I'm in a, I'm in a great place. I was talking to someone last night about it. It was driving me from the airport to the hotel and I was just describing my life and he's like, wow. He goes, that feels like shalom. Like perfect peace. Like I go, wow, I've never heard anyone say that. He goes, no, when you describe your grandkids. Because I. So I have seven kids now, five grandkids, you know, two son in law is like, it's just, I was just describing when we get together and it's like, ah. He goes, yeah. I can just imagine you as a dad seeing everyone doing their thing and you're. I just picture you smiling. He goes, all I can think is that word shalom. I'm like, yes, that is what it is. Yeah, it's awesome. I was sharing how like my 4 oldest kids are all worship leaders. And so sometimes when they're together they'll just get in the living room with their instruments.

[B]

Oh my goodness.

[A]

And they'll just start worshiping and I'm just sitting there worshiping with them. But then sometimes I'll just look around and the whole family is just singing to God in the living room spontaneously. And it's like, does this get any better? And then the next minute will be laughing hysterically. I mean I have got funny kids. Yeah, like they're just hilarious. It's, it's funny. Like I have this, I guess dad pride when my kids are like doing great things, but probably even more so when they tell a good joke because I like good humor. Like I don't want just like that was fun, like just to laugh hysterically. And so family wise I just go, I'm blown away. Blown away. My son in laws are like the most integrous, like godly men whom I trust in some ways more than myself. Where I go, wow. And those are my son in laws and they're competitive and in sports, you know, and so I love like, everything. I'm like, this is crazy. And so that's my family life as far as. And we've been married 32 years now. And I can honestly say, like, my relationship with Lisa is. It keeps getting better.

[B]

Like, I love hearing.

[A]

I miss her more when I travel now than I just enjoy being here. There's a. There's just a depth. You know, after so many years together,

[B]

I feel the same way about Val. I fall more and more in love with him every day. I love being with him.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And. Yeah. Love who he is.

[A]

I love being with him. He's just a great guy. I'll probably say that on every show. He's probably loving it too. Val, you're the best. You know, it's just. I love hanging around him. What's funny, though, is when we went golfing the last time, okay, so my son, he just does impersonations that just crack me up. But he does this. I don't know where he got it from, but everyone said he'll just start doing this Russian accent.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

So when I was golfing with Val, the whole time I'm thinking, I gotta bring Zeke, I gotta bring Zeke.

[B]

Right?

[A]

I feel like I'm with him right now. It's just weird. But anyways, that's. That's a family as far as ministry goes. You know, I've been in this. I'm in San Francisco or outside of San Francisco, and I. I've been doing these house gatherings, which is going to have house churches and places teaching people how to do that. But I've really given over leadership to other people, largely because I was really convicted. When I was reading Numbers, Chapter eight, I'm sure you know what that is

[B]

off the top of my head. Of course I do.

[A]

Of course, you're always in numbers and, you know, but I read it eight years ago and it hit me because it talks about when the Levites, the priests would turn 50, and I was 50 that eight years ago. I'm like, whoa, that's me. And he would force them to retire. I'm like, what? I mean, at 50, I was in the best shape of my life. Like, physically, I'm turning 50 this year. I know. And I was like, man, I've got so much energy and I've got wisdom. I'm not like that 20 something year old trying to lead a church. Like, I, I've. I've experienced a lot. I feel like I'm at my peak. And I'm like, God, you would have me retire back then. That doesn't make any sense, you know, but the verse, you know, what it says is that they, they're no longer to serve in the temple, but their job now was to, to guard the 25 year olds. And then they have their run for 25 year olds for 25 years and then they pour into the next. I'm like, yeah, but for me to stop doing what I'm doing when I'm at my. I still have so much energy and God was just showing me, yeah, you should, and use that energy to pour in the 25 year old like, because they're not going to make it without an older person pouring into their lives. You got to experience all these things pour into that next generation. And, and the more I meditated on that passage, I'm more, I go, that is brilliant. So my job is to ensure that the next generation leads in this sacred way and leads better than I do. If I'm just doing my thing until, you know, I go nuts or whatever. Gosh, I'm almost competing against that younger person and I'm not putting time into them and investing in them. And so I just realized then that God was calling me to pour into the next generation. And you know, I haven't done anything, done everything perfectly, but I can teach people from that and tell them, hey, don't do what I did in this area. I started getting competitive, I started thinking, no, I want to be the best preacher and I want to be this or this or this. And. And there was selfish ambition. And God says, where there's selfish ambition or jealousy, it's going to lead to evil. And, you know, like to teach them these things and to tell them, hey, here's some things that I'm glad I did for the last 30 years or whatever and I encourage you to do this, like to pour in so that next generation is better. And so this season really has been me trying to scale it. That's why I don't do these podcasts. Okay, so now you know that I love you. Thank you. You know, I appreciate you, like, because it's not my time, right? My time now is give me some 25 year olds and let me pour into their lives. And so that's what I'm looking to do and figuring out how to. I do this illustration where I have this little candle that's almost nothing and then this big candle and I go, if this is me and my son, you guys think, oh, the big candle's you and there's your little boy. I go, no, I'm the little One, I'm like, burned down to where I'm like, there's hardly anything left. The stupidest thing I could do is put myself on a pedestal and go, no, look at me. Watch me burn. No, the smartest thing I could do, wisest thing, is to light the candle of the. That my son, who has his whole life ahead of him, and all these other 20 somethings, you know, guard them, because I want light to be in the. I don't have to be the light to the world. Okay, let me just light the candles

[B]

because that's why I love your heart so much.

[A]

Yeah, don't look at me.

[B]

That's biblical wisdom.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I so appreciate, even though you say you're not in that leadership position, but you are in a different way. But I so appreciate the, the path that you are modeling. And I wish there were more pastors. There are other great pastors that do that, but not as many. And I am grateful for your leadership in that way.

[A]

Well, and it's not their fault. I don't think. We didn't have this modeled for us. And so all I knew was get on that stage, preach to as many people as you can, and preach till you die.

[B]

Right.

[A]

And I will preach till I died to some in some way, but it was just, keep doing your thing.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And no one stepped down and said, hey, I had my run and now I'm going to pour into this next generation while I still have a lot of energy. And. And now I've got wisdom. And, you know, I can use that for this next generation because I'm thinking beyond my life.

[B]

Right.

[A]

This is going to end. And that passage in numbers helped me understand, oh, God wanted from generation to generation, he just wanted to ensure that things were going to be sacred, like, teach those younger ones, guard them, watch them. And I'm so grateful. Like, I don't know if you knew, but like, when you were at Cornerstone those years, there was an older guy, Ron Wilson, And I was 26 when I started the church. And he was like 56. And he never tried to run the church. He just was that older guy that said, if you start this church, I will go with you and I'll walk with you. And he did. And he would point things out to me. It's like, hey, that was kind of dumb. I'm like, yeah, I know. Okay, thank you. You know, like, he would just point things out or I would say things and like, well, I'm not really a leader. I'm a preacher. And he's like, he would you stop that? Because I've watched you lead. You're not being humble by saying, oh, I'm not a leader. He goes, God made you and you are a leader. And I've seen your gifts. And I was like, okay, all right. And it was just like this guiding of when I was dumb, when I was falsely humble or. I don't know, it was just, I'm so grateful for that. And I don't know where I'd be without that guy. And it's like, so God's going, well, why don't you be that for these younger guys now?

[B]

Well, it's incredible. And I think of Lev and I don't know if you know that Lev preaches sometimes.

[A]

Yes, yes. Got me so excited.

[B]

But that too is what our pastor, Dudley Rutherford.

[A]

Oh, I love Dudley. Dudley, since you moved, he's such a goofball.

[B]

He is.

[A]

He's great.

[B]

But since you moved.

[A]

Yes, yes.

[B]

Shepherd's been our church and Dudley's been our pastor.

[A]

Good.

[B]

And he pours into the younger generation. So every year they, I mean, they disciple multiple kids. But throughout the year, he allows each and every one of 16, 17, 18, 19 year old go up and preach good to the congregation. And they, they work on a sermon. They do it. But you know, that church is big too. So you go up and you, you're preaching to 3,000 people. It's intimidating. Was the first time Lev was in one of the groups. And Dudley's poured into Lev.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

And their team as well as other kids. And then as they've church planted and expanded, it's all of those young men that have, that are leading those churches. So he puts the trust in those young 25 year olds.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

And so he's been this incredible, valuable encouragement and resource to Lev and all these kids that Lev has grown up with. And they're all preaching, they're all preaching. And it's incredible to see. So I didn't know you were doing that too. And it just fills my heart. Cause as a mother, we need the support of the church like that to encourage cause obviously, as parents, we're gonna encourage our kids in that way. But to have strong leaders within the church come up alongside our young men.

[A]

And I don't do it that, uh, I'm figuring that side out. And I didn't know Dudley did that. I've always loved Dudley. Now I love him more. And he beats me at everything. So here he goes again.

[B]

Don't, don't get in a bicycle competition with him or a Pickleball competition.

[A]

Oh, I. I don't even dare play pickleball with him. Um, I've golfed with him, and he just destroyed me. And yeah, he's. He's too big too. It's just not fair with pickleball. He's just, like, reaching out.

[B]

He has, like, wingspan.

[A]

Yeah. It's not even move. So, yeah, when he told me he'd play pickleball, I'm like, I'm not even gonna try. That is cool, though. So did Lev preach at Shepherd?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

No.

[B]

His first time when he was like 17 years old.

[A]

Listen to it.

[B]

They. They broke it up. So they had five kids preach about a eight or nine minute sermon for the first one.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But Lev just preached over back at Christmas time. He preached at Shepherd. See me, because that pastor took a break and. But he's one of the young guys.

[A]

I didn't know that.

[B]

It's. It's really cool.

[A]

I need to catch up with Dudley. He had sent me a video the other day, just talking to me on this text, like, how come you never come out of here? You know, I heard you were over there, and so I need to catch up now. I really want to. After hearing this, I want to understand how he does that, because we got to get serious about that.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And. Wow, that's.

[B]

Yeah. And then. And then in your other spare time.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I'm texting you Lev's number if you don't have it already, because I would love for you to impart any wisdom in his walking journey in that way.

[A]

No, I will. Definitely. I will make time to go do that. I told Val I want to come out anyways, and. Yeah, maybe I'll bring my son and we'll all go golfing.

[B]

You guys should. Yes, absolutely.

[A]

I'll have my son talking his Russian accent the whole time. Just let him and Val have their conversation and I'll hang out with Lev.

[B]

Yeah, perfect, perfect, perfect. I'm really intentional about what I put on my body and in my body. And so many brands that we've trusted over the years have quietly been bought out and filled with ingredients. That's why I think you love the Van Man Company. They're committed to real old school products. No fillers, no corporate nonsense. Their grass fed tallow bomb is incredible. The fatty acids are almost identical to your own skin, so your body recognizes it immediately. One balm, it can replace your lotion, your night cream, even diaper cream. A little goes a long way. And people love their miracle tooth powder. And it's made with real bone hydroxyapatite, the same mineral that your teeth are made up with.0 fluoride or foaming agents and their pearl eye cream. It is packed with tallow wild caught pearl powder and nourishing oils that actually support the delicate skin around your eye. So if you're ready to switch to products made with integrity, go to Vanman Shop bure and use the code burre that's B U R E for 15% off your first order. Van Man Real ingredients, no exceptions.

[A]

Tomorrow morning is knocking.

[B]

Stock your fridge now. How about a creamy mocha Frappuccino drink?

[A]

Or a sweet vanilla smooth caramel maybe?

[B]

Or a white chocolate mocha? Whichever you choose, delicious coffee awaits. Find Starbucks Frappuccino drinks wherever you buy your groceries. Spring just slid into your DMs. Grab that boho. Look for that rooftop dinner, those sandals that can keep up with you. And hang some string lights to give your patio a glow up. Spring's calling. Ross. Work your magic. You know, people love to say higher education is outdated, irrelevant. But GCU doesn't settle for the status quo. They challenge it. Grand Canyon University is an affordable, private, nonprofit Christian university based in beautiful Phoenix, Arizona. At gcu, academically rigorous, industry driven programs are built for today's world, offering practical skills, career readiness and real opportunities for students of all ages. Because education shouldn't be a privilege, it should be an accessible path forward, grounded in Christian truth. GCU is committed to raising up the next generation to lead with integrity, serve with purpose and transform their communities. This is purpose driven education. Find your purpose at Grand Canyon University, private Christian, affordable nonprofit. Visit gcu.edu to learn more. Okay, let's. We're, we're supposed to talk about, we're supposed to talk about revelation today.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But I wanted to start off with a listener question.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Because I, you know, I think these, all these all connect in some ways. We get a lot of questions about people that are wrestling with their faith. So having you here is a real gift to, to teach the Bible in that way. Today's listener question is from Olivia, and she says, I really struggle with prayer. I find it awkward and uncomfortable to pray even by myself, never mind out loud with other people. Yet I know prayer works. What advice would you give for learning to pray?

[A]

Well, yeah, that's actually a great question because no one really taught me how to pray. We're just told it works, do it, God likes it, or whatever. Or it's a natural reflex when something's going wrong. But that's just, that's a very shallow understanding of prayer. And I think the best thing I could do is just kind of share, like, how I pray. I mean, a lot of times I stop before I say a word. Like Ecclesiastes 5, it says, Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Don't just let me just read it, because I'm going to butcher it. Like, the whole idea is you don't just start talking. He says, guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near, to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. There's something about, hey, don't just come in and go, hey, God. And so I think, okay, let me just stop and think about who I'm talking to. And I think sometimes we don't do that. Like, even right now, as I say that, I think about who's listening, who might be listening. And sometimes we just talk. And I don't think there's a lot of people listening right now. They're going through a lot of pain. And like, this listener who's like, I'm confused about prayer. Let me actually feel something for that person right now, rather than just, here's an answer, because that's God's greatest command, is I'm supposed to love people. So what's the most loving answer I could give to her? And so to think about who you're speaking to is so important because you're supposed to love them. And it's easy for even a guy like me to step on his stage, see all these faces, and then just give a speech that I came up with, rather than looking at people in the eyes and going, God, help me to love that person. Help me to love Candace right now. Let me think about her soul and her future and everything about her, and then give me the most loving thing to say to her. And so then with God, it's similar. It's like, wait, before I just open my mouth, he's in heaven. He's on his throne, his angels screaming out how holy he is. And they're covering themselves up with their wings in his presence. That's who I'm about to talk to. And he just gave me that breath. He's letting my mind work. It is all in his control. And now I come before the throne of that God. What would I Say to him. But then Hebrews says that you approach this throne of grace, that it's not just this terrifying being, but he's like, and you'll find mercy and you'll find grace. So then it's like, oh, I'm coming before this holy being. And he promised to. He's. He's full of grace. Like, he. He wants to give. Like, that's. That's his posture. That's who he is.

[B]

He.

[A]

He's rich in mercy. That means, like, he just wants to forgive. Like. Like. Like, if our kids do something, like, we want to forgive you. I want to rectify that relationship. So I'm thinking through who he is. Wait, so you're holy? You're so far beyond me. The angels are worshiping you, and yet you see me and like, oh, okay, there's Francis. Confess to me, Francis, because I just want to forgive you. I'm rich in mercy, and I am, like, just pouring out grace and abounding in steadfast love. And now I'm coming for before that God. So I sit and I think about who he is. And I'm usually on my knees, and, kongada, you're awesome. I can't believe there is a being like you. To be that powerful and to think about you feeling for me and caring about what I'm going through. And you have this plan for my life, and you made me for a purpose. I don't know. It's almost like once I get thinking, then I. I. Like, I forgot what I was going to ask you, Lord. You know what I mean? Like, even right now, I'm just going, God, as I think about all those things, that is so there's no words, because we use words for everything, and there's no words to describe. Like, I'm talking to you.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. All I can say is, yes, I'll receive grace from you. Yes, Minister to me. Like, draw near to listen. And something I've been learning in prayer is even in First Corinthians, he says, what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has promised to those who love him. Yes, but God has revealed it to us by his spirit. I was like, wait, so. But if my eyes haven't seen it and my ears haven't heard it and my mind can't conceive it, how can I know it through your spirit? How do you reveal that? And I'm learning that in prayer, I may not hear an audible voice. I may not see a vision. I may not Even comprehend exactly how this worked. But I could walk away knowing that he loves me and being convinced that I'm forgiven and receive grace in some supernatural way from God. And so as I go through all of that and thinking through who he is, and different words come out, and I don't even have to pray. My request, I just kind of knows what I'm thinking before I think it. And sometimes I will just tell him, hey, God, I feel distant. Even this morning, I was like, lord, can you make this great day? Like, where I just see your hand in things? I feel like I just need that today. And so even on the Uber over here, five minutes from the hotel, you know, start talking to the driver and notice he's got Buddha hanging and Jesus and some blue God. I'm assuming it's Hindu. And I'm like, whoa, you're just covering the bases, aren't you? And, you know, we just got in this conversation, and I got to share my testimony. By the end of the ride, as I was sharing about the Lord, he's getting my luggage out of the back. He's hugging me, crying. This is a big guy. And I'm just telling him about how God loves him and then how God sent me to tell him, you know, that he could be forgiven and everything else. And so we were just right out there in the parking lot, and he's, like, tearing up. Like, just. He had me, like, three times and thanked me, and I was able to give him one of my books. Here, take this. Like, yeah, I want you to know the love of God. And that's an answer. You know, it's like, I just prayed and. And probably even right now, as people are listening, something's happening. Because that's that book. The chapter on revelation in my book was about, like, it's a miracle. Like, you and I could talk all we want about the love of God and come up with the best speeches about the love of God, but it takes this supernatural revelation for someone to get it at that moment. And so that's why there's. It's almost like we don't even have to talk about it a whole lot, because either the miracle happens as we're talking, and people right now are going, wow, I can come before God like that and confess my sins. And he's ready and anxious and wanting me to share just so that he can forgive, because he's rich in mercy. Wow. And he's that holy, that powerful, abounding in love. Like, when you sit in that. And so back to the Question is

[B]

that, well, is that, is that how the revelation looks? Because I think when we think of that word revelation, at times we're thinking of something big and powerful and awestruck where it's like, yeah, thunder rolls, revelation. But what I'm hearing you say is that it's, it's something within that God reveals as well.

[A]

It can be good.

[B]

So what about the person that's listening going, well, I'm still waiting for my revelation. I'm praying and I want God to reveal to me. But yeah, I still waiting.

[A]

Well, you revelations right here in the Word. I mean you have to believe this book, okay? Without faith, he's not going to hear your prayers. I mean the Bible's clear about that. You know, he says if you doubt, you're a double minded man, unstable in all that you do. That man should not expect to receive anything. Is when you pray, do not doubt. That means you've got to come and go, oh wow, I can come before the throne of grace according to Hebrews, okay, so it is actually a throne of grace. I got to believe that he's merciful. I got to believe that he's gracious. This is something where when you're in that time of prayer, you don't have to go, okay, maybe if I'm on my knees long enough and I'm just like screaming or I'm this or that. No, you have to believe that. Oh, God says that he would dwell within me. And Jesus says he's knocking on the door and if anyone hears him and welcomes, he goes, I'll come in and I'll eat with you. He says, my Father and I will make our home with you. He says, my spirit will dwell in you. And so if I believe all those things, then I'm not reaching for someone out there. He's right here. I'm almost like looking inward going, God, you're here right now. This is insane. You're inside of me. You dwell with me. You want to bless me. Just telling you God, I believe that. Go for it, Minister to me. So it's like this quiet, deep belief and enjoyment and faith. And then it just happens. And I can't describe what that's going to be like for anyone. Just know that Jesus says when you pray, don't do it to be seen. Don't keep saying all these words. You just sit there in the quiet and believe like you're ministering to me right now. And, and so much is indescribable because I don't know that I'VE ever heard an audible voice from God. There was one time where I'm like, whoa, did I. I don't know. I just have this phrase. I mean, it was crazy. Talk about and tell it, tell it. Okay, so I'm walking. It was that in Kona. I'm about to speak to a bunch of young people and you know, which, I do this every week, and I hear this voice or this. I don't know how to describe it. It was just like, these are your children. Protect your children. Children. Protect your children. I just hear the voice and I'm like, praying. Then I'm going, God, did I just hear you say something to me? I'm sorry if I'm doubting this Lord, because I always like, God, tell me what you want, whatever. But. So I'm not doubting you. Of course you could. But I just, I want to be sure. Like, did you just tell me these are my children? Why this group? Like, why not all these other groups?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

What is it about this group? And. And protect your children? I kind of knew what he was saying. Like, like, I knew, I knew what it was. And so during worship, I'm like, my head's down again, you know, asking God, did you just tell me these are my children? You know, music's going, it's loud, and I'm just silently in my head going, was that you? Was that your voice? Are you telling me that these are my. You're my children? Like, I'm treating like my children. And the guy that's sitting next to me is total stranger. Some old guy. As I'm praying like this, you know, worship's going, I'm just having my time with the Lord. He starts speaking in my ear, which I think this is really rude. I'm having a time with the Lord. And he just goes, francis, these are your children. I'm like, I'm just bawling now. And he goes, they have your DNA. You know, And I don't say anything to him. I'm just like nodding my head because I just can't even speak. Yeah, like, I think I. God, and, and, and it's been a, you know, years of unpacking that and that group of people and that ministry and. And I'm more deeply involved. And we don't have time to get into all of that, but it's like, whoa. But that was like a one off. Wow. That was crazy. But I'm telling you equally have been these times where I can't tell you what he said to me. Even I Just know I've been changed.

[B]

Yeah. I even read when I was reading in the book, and it happens in the Bible, things just pop off the page even though you've read them several times. But when I was reading the book, and I've read your book twice now, which I'm very proud of myself.

[A]

I'm proud of you.

[B]

I'll never reread a book again. It's pocket size. So I've read it twice. But. But the first. Well, I was writing notes in it, but. But it wasn't an audible voice. But it just. While I was reading, I was already onto another paragraph, and it just, like, in my. In my heart or in my spirit was like, Candace. And I spoke my name. Yeah, it was Candace. You. This is what you need to do. Like, this is what. I need you to sit with me this year. I need you to prioritize the time of sitting with me and listening for my voice. I will speak to you and I'll direct you, but I need you to stop talking. I need you to sit. But it was so. It just was so, like. I don't know what I'm trying to say.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Because I was already onto something else, and it's just so. It just. And I went, oh, I hear you, God. Like, I'm here and I hear you. And I. I just wrote it down to remind myself, because it. While it wasn't an audible voice, it was very clear that God was like, this is what I need you to focus on right now. I'm like, oh, I got it. Okay.

[A]

Yeah. I mean, if he's God, he can have, you know, things.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Without it going through your eardrums.

[B]

Right.

[A]

You know, your eyeballs, your brain.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I mean, but that's. And that's exactly what he says about the love of God, where he says in. I'm just gonna make sure I quote it perfectly. Romans 5, verse 5. He says, Hope does not put us to shame because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. So somehow God's love is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Like, it's. It's like a direct pouring of something. Like, wait, but it didn't go through my ears, or I didn't go through my frontal lobe. And then because I can pour my love. So at the core of your being, which is what the heart is at the core of who Candice is, my spirit can go right there without a voice, without a visual, and just here's how much I love you. And he can do that with everyone that's listening or watching right now. And that's what you pray for. And that's where you go, God, I'm just gonna sit here in this room. Would you just reveal to me? And what saddens me is we're in such a fast paced world now. You know, you remember, you're old enough to remember the days before the phones and craziness and, and you know, our minds are just wired poorly now because we're scrolling through things and consuming so much information. And what saddens me is then a lot of you listening. You don't know how to sit in silence and meditate because your mind's going so fast. And first Peter 4:7 says, Be self controlled and sober minded for the sake of your prayers. And we don't exercise self control. We got to watch everything, listen to everything. This fear of missing out. And guess what? You're going to miss out. You should be afraid of missing out on God's voice. You're so busy doing so many things that he wanted to tell you that he loved you. He wanted to just communicate these deep things into your heart. But you're scared of missing out all these other things and acquiring information or looking stupid or being ashamed of this and you're going to miss out. And you come to the end of your life and realize you missed out on the greatest revelation you could have had because you were satisfying yourself with all these stupid little, you know, you know, three second videos to where your mind didn't even know how to sit quietly and meditate on how great our God is.

[B]

I'm gonna leave it at that because. Yeah, well, we'll be back next week. There's so much more good stuff to talk about. We have a free guide for you this season and an excerpt from my upcoming book, Wild hope. Go to Candace.com to find the link. It's also in our show notes. And you'll also find a [e-mail] where you can ask questions for future episodes. There's also another place you can ask questions and join a private podcast discussion group. It's called the Together Community. Download the app and learn how to become a monthly [e-mail] together. Until next time, be grateful all day, every day. Candy Rock Entertainment. All rights reserved.

[A]

No time for full TV shows. TikTok has endless short dramas you can watch anytime. Fast paced, easy to follow and hard to stop. Download TikTok now and start watching Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile. I don't know if you knew this, but anyone can get the same Premium Wireless for $15 a month plan that I've been enjoying. It's not just for celebrities. So do like I did and have one of your assistant's assistants switch you to Mint Mobile today. I'm told it's super easy to [e-mail]

[B]

Switch upfront payment of $45 for three month plan equivalent to $15 per month required intro rate first three months only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees, extra fee, full [e-mail].