Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. John 17:1-3 (ESV)
On the eve of his crucifixion, we overhear Jesus speaking to the Father about the great gift given to his followers—eternal life. But eternal life, according to Jesus, is not merely a promise for a distant future. It is a present reality. It is life in God’s kingdom now, a life shaped by knowing the Father and the Son.
The Greek word ginosko (“to know”) in verse three conveys more than head knowledge. It implies a deep, relational intimacy. It is the knowing that grows out of trust, shared experiences, and open-hearted conversation. Dallas Willard calls this a “conversational relationship” with God—one in which we speak with him about what is going on in our lives and listen for his responses, much like a parent and child who share both joys and sorrows.
Jan Johnson, in When the Soul Listens, describes a conversational relationship with God as one in which we develop a posture of attentiveness—becoming aware of God’s presence in the ordinary moments of life. She encourages us to slow down enough to notice God’s gentle nudges and invitations, to make space for silence so we can hear the “still small voice” that often comes without fanfare.
Attentiveness is not about straining to hear something mystical; it is about cultivating quiet trust and openness. As Johnson puts it, we become “receptive to God’s guidance” by leaning into a rhythm of pausing, listening, and responding. This rhythm transforms prayer from a hurried transaction into an ongoing, grace-filled conversation.
Knowing God also means surrender. Johnson reminds us that genuine listening leads to obedience—not the begrudging compliance of duty, but the joyful willingness of love. When we yield to God’s way, we are saying, “Your will, not mine.” This surrender opens the door for God to shape us into people who reflect his character—people marked by humility, mercy, and compassion.1
Life in God’s kingdom is interactive. As we learn to listen and surrender, we also respond. Johnson notes that God’s whispers often lead us into small acts of kindness, moments of forgiveness, or courageous steps toward justice. These are not random good deeds; they are kingdom moments—God’s love flowing through us into the world.
A Kingdom Invitation
Take a moment now to be attentive by stilling your body. Breathe deeply. Speak to God—out loud if you can—and tell him what is on your heart. Share your gratitude, your worries, your longings. Then wait quietly for a moment, trusting that he hears and will respond in his time and way.
As you go about your day consider any nudge to do something good, loving or courageous as an invitation to further his kingdom on earth. Ask God for his help to do just what he says. Life in God’s kingdom is not lived in grand gestures alone. It is found in daily choices to turn toward God, listen for his voice, and walk in step with his Spirit. As we do, his love and joy overflow into the lives of those around us, becoming a witness to the world of what eternal life looks like here and now.
1 Jan Johnson, When the Soul Listens: Finding Rest and Direction in Contemplative Prayer, 2nd ed. (Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2017). See chapter three, “Cultivating a Listening Heart.”
