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You Too Busy to Hear God’s Voice? - The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast | Wave AI Podcast Notes

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You Too Busy to Hear God’s Voice?

The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast

Tue Apr 07 2026

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.

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Transcript

A (0:00)

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 (0:43)

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A (10:49)

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

A (25:26)

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.

A (30:46)

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

A (35:38)

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?

A (43:17)

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.