Thoughts can be categorized as the most personal aspect of our human experience. No one can go through past your words, which gives us the liberty of keeping many thoughts to ourselves. However, knowing that God is the beginning and the end, and our creator, puts us in a position to question many things. We tend to analyze whether he can know what we do in private and even if he has an idea of what we are thinking about. Does he know our inner beliefs, motives, intentions, and desires? Or is he only aware of our actions? What does the Bible say concerning all these? So, can God hear your thoughts?
The short answer to these questions is yes! God can hear your thoughts. He knew you even before you were formed in your mother’s womb and knows all your intentions, desires, and motives, as indicated in Psalms 139. His nature is omniscient, meaning that he knows everything, that includes what is going on in our heads. Therefore, he can hear your thoughts and knows them even before you think about them.
So, what does the Bible say about God hearing your thoughts? Do I have to pray out loud for God to hear me? Does God know our thoughts before we think them? Does God give us thoughts? Continue reading to get more information and answers to these questions and more.
What does the Bible say about God hearing your thoughts?
The Bible clearly states that God knows everything about us, so he knows our thoughts. Psalms 139:1-2 says that God knows what your thoughts look like because he searches the minds and hearts of those who seek him.
Therefore, it might come off as intimidating to know that no part of us is private to God; he wants what is good for us. God is aware of all our thoughts, from lustful thoughts, personal greed, vengeful thoughts, and even silently coveting.
That is why Philippians 4:8 reads, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.”
Do I have to pray out loud for God to hear me?
Theologians and bible readers unanimously agree that we do not have to pray out loud for God to hear our prayers and answer us. Though the Bible does not give us detailed instructions on how a silent prayer should be, it accounts for several instances where the Lord heard silent prayers and answered them. One of the most famous silent prayers that were responded to was that of Hannah, which is referenced in 1st Samuel 1:13. “Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman.” The context of this verse explains how Hannah was really praying for a child, and God answered her silent prayer.
Furthermore, we do not have to say our prayers loud for God to know what we are asking for; he knows our thoughts. Moreover, the Bible encourages us to pray in private (Mathew 6:6). Other than that, some circumstances make silent prayer convenient for us, and even through that, you can be sure that God heard you. An example of an instance where that silent prayer will be appropriate is if you seek God on a matter that you feel should stay between you and God alone; then you do not have to say it out loud while praying.
2nd Corinthians 10:5 reads, “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” Praying silently means that we will pray via our thoughts; by doing so, we still have to submit to God and give absolute authority over our lives. Therefore, whether we pray out loud or silently pray like Hannah, God is omniscient; he knows everything, and therefore he will hear our silent prayers. However, he urges us to ask, and it will be given to you. So, even in the silent prayer, we should make our requests known to him.
Does God know our thoughts before we think them?
Bible scholars and readers posit that God knows our thoughts before we even think about them. They deduce their evidence from Psalms 139:1-2, “O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know, when I sit down and when I rise up, you discern my thoughts from afar.” The psalmist acknowledges that God can read our thoughts from afar. God himself notes that he knew us even before we were born (Jeremiah 12:3).
However, though it might be intimidating to know that God knows all of our thoughts, he assures us that he does not condemn us. God knows both our good and lustful thoughts, our hidden coveting and vengeful ideas. However, he also says in the book of 1st John 3:20, “for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.”
The scripture notes that he even knows every strand of our hair. Therefore, we should always feed ourselves with what is pure because that is what will crowd our thoughts. And the Lord encourages us to think about those things that are praiseworthy and pure before his eyes. Therefore, before you commit to whatever you want to do, be sure that God knows it, but he does not stop you because he gave us free will.
Does God give us thoughts?
The Bible indicates that God can give us thoughts. Therefore, we should not be afraid that he knows every aspect of us, including our thoughts, but be happy that he can guide us through our thoughts. The Bible says in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you can test and approve what God’s will is his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Some scholars and bible readers claim that God transforms our minds and gives us thoughts through the Holy Spirit, our helper. However, when God speaks to us through our thoughts, we have to be in a deeper relationship with him to discern which thoughts are from him and which are ours. It can be pretty exciting to know that God can give you thoughts, but it requires practicing and spending more time in his presence and with his word to determine what he is putting in your mind.
Though it might be hard for some people to determine God’s thoughts, there are some tips that you can use to know if what you are thinking about is not your own but thoughts from God. First, what God puts in your mind will never contradict what his word says in the scripture (John 1:1).
Furthermore, God’s thoughts will bring peace to you. Colossians 3:15 reads, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” God tells us in his word that we have to believe in him, and he will give us peace that surpasses human understanding, the same way his thoughts will provide us with peace and not disturb us.
References
Silent prayer – is it biblical?
What Does the Bible Say About God Knows Our Thoughts?
Does God Know Our Thoughts and Silent Prayers?
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
