A coworker moved to our based in Philadelphia and shared this story about listening to the Lord's voice.

One day I went to the park to read my Bible and listen to the Lord's voice about how to minister to my new neighbors. Allen, a friend I'd made recently, walked up and immediately commented that I looked out of place.

After we exchanged niceties I began sharing the gospel of love with him and asked him what he thought about it. He didn't think much about it, but said he knew some guys from his younger days that put their faith in God and lead radical lives now. We talked for a while and then swapped phone numbers and said we'd hang out some other time.

During that same week I started a fast for God's intimacy in my work, and on the third day of my fast Allen called and asked if I would join him in the park again to talk.

As we met on that same park bench we'd been on three days before, he poured out the problems plaguing his life. He admitted he was sick of living out of control and sick of turning to the wrong things for that control. He and I prayed together and he submitted to the control of Jesus.

The connection between engaging in listening prayer and Allen's appearance is one that we may be tempted to chalk up to serendipity. But if we believe in a personal God, we'll see that this is how he answers the prayers of his children.