The Shepherd's Voice is a personal and immersive study of the Gospel of John. Based on the idea that Jesus lays out in Chapter 10 of John’s gospel, this study is an opportunity to hear, recognize, and respond to the voice of Jesus.

The Shepherd’s Voice blends the study of scripture with private prayer practice. It seamlessly weaves together ancient and modern elements, including inductive Bible study methods, Lectio Divina exercises, Immanuel Prayer models, and even methods used in traditional rabbinical midrash. At the heart of this study is an effort to enter an intimate conversation with the One who calls us by name.

WHAT THIS STUDY INCLUDES

• 22 lessons each exploring the events of John's Gospel one chapter at a time
• Questions, instruction and practice in the Lectio Divina (a divine reading) model, inviting the Holy Spirit to lead and teach the scriptures
• Coordinated listening prayer (Immanuel Prayer) exercises for each lesson

GOALS FOR THIS STUDY

The Holy Scriptures are the most obvious and accessible way God speaks to us today. The goal of this study is to practice listening to God through scripture (his own Word) and use it as the foundation for hearing God in personal, intimate prayer. More specifically, our goal will be to interact with God’s Word in such a way as to grow in our knowledge of God’s character, become familiar with his teaching and works, and discern what they mean for us today. The practices presented in this study create an opportunity to experience the presence of God.

FOR INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP STUDY

This study has twenty-two lessons, following the number of chapters in John’s Gospel (Lesson 6 is divided into two parts). Individuals can follow the study at their own pace, moving through the lessons daily—as part of a daily devotional/prayer time, weekly, or somewhere in between. Groups may want to schedule a weekly gathering for a two-semester group study (eleven weeks each semester). Alternatively, groups can move through the study more quickly—even biweekly, depending on how often they want to meet. Zoom and other online platforms for small group meetings work well with this format. Studies show that it takes three weeks to develop new and lasting patterns in our brains. How exciting to think in three weeks, we can reorient our lives to hear and converse with Jesus easily! However, I believe the impact and benefits will be experienced in the first lesson.

LISTEN TO ELIZABETH SHARE MORE ON HER BOOK

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,
but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son,
whom he appointed the heir of all things,
through whom also he created the world.  
He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature,
and he upholds the universe by the word of his power."

Hebrews 1:1-3