Training Our Spiritual Senses 3

In our last post we learned about the triune nature of man, and that we are comprised of spirit, soul, and body.

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Having this firmly engrained into our understanding will be the foundation for learning how to train our spiritual senses.

But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:14 

Because the spiritual realm is the eternal realm, (having existed before time), we should be more concerned with cultivating an awareness of what is happening in that arena. If spiritual forces (Holy Spirit, angels, demons) are at play in that sphere that can affect our lives and eternal destiny, staying ignorant of this reality is not an option (at least not for me).

In order to train our spiritual senses, we must locate them and stay in tune with what they are broadcasting to our understanding. This takes practice, trial, and error. Yes, it will take our effort to learn how those senses operate. In doing so, though, we will be more proficient in detecting and discerning the Holy Spirit’s leading, and spiritual realities around us.

Have you ever been in a room or store and sensed you were being watched, and suddenly looked up to find someone staring at you? That awareness was something you picked up in your spirit. Someone else, who is a spirit being, was staring at you and you perceived it in your spirit. This is not a gift of the Holy Spirit, but simply your human spirit picking up that information.

Have you suddenly had someone come to your mind and sensed a nudge to call them to see how they are doing, just to learn they were in some demanding situation that needed your prayers and encouragement? That too is something you picked up in your spirit. In this case it was most likely the Holy Spirit putting them on your heart for prayer and intercession.

There is much more we can say about spiritual perception, but it is too lengthy for this series. However, I plan to cover the subject in more depth when I publish my new book on ‘Concerning Spiritual Things’ in 2026. Stay tuned for that announcement.

Practice the Presence of the Lord

One of the best ways to develop your spiritual senses is to practice the Presence of the Lord. A 17^th Century Carmelite friar by the name of Brother Lawrence is credited with coining the phrase. He learned how to concentrate upon the presence of God while working, praying, or going about his busy schedule, and challenged those who inquired of his secret, to spend the necessary time and discipline to acquire this holy habit.

One of the easiest ways to begin this journey is to focus on the Presence of God when in prayer. Don’t just pray to the air, but realize you are speaking to the Almighty, the Creator, the God of Heaven, and earth. Take notice of your spiritual senses.

Learn to listen in your spirit to His gentle whispers, nudges, and direction. It will amaze you as His realm opens up to your understanding.

Be aware of angelic activity.

Another key exercise is to sense the activity of angels, who are sent to assist us (Hebrews 1:14). We are not to pray to angels, but we can learn to be sensitive to their activity. Often you may sense a Holy Spirit ‘anointed’ being riding in the car with you, though you are physically alone. This could be an angel assigned to protect and assist you (Psalms 34:7, 91:11). Again, this is a huge topic, and one I will include in my upcoming book.

Because God is a Spirit (John 4:24), He communicates with our spirit (Romans 8:14&16; 1 Corinthians 2:9-16). Therefore, we must learn to recognize His voice, nudges, guidance through our spiritual senses (touch, taste, smell, sight, hearing).

Examples from Scripture

Then Micaiah said, "Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by, on His right hand and on His left. 1 Kings 22:19 

And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?" 

So he answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, and said, "LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:15-17 

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Isaiah 6:1 

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: "Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me." Isaiah 6:8 

Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the River Chebar, that the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God. Ezekiel 1:1 

And I heard a voice saying to me, 'Rise, Peter; kill and eat.' Acts 11:7 

And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' Acts 26:14 

And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine." Revelations 6:6 

Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, Revelations 9:13 

Now when the seven thunders uttered their voices, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them." Revelations 10:4 

Over the years, I have experienced seeing the glory of the Lord, hearing His voice, and sensing His presence or the presence of angels. I have also been aware of demonic spirits and the forces of darkness.

All believers have access to walking in the spirit and being aware of these things. Many others have seen the Lord show up during our gatherings (Hebrews 2:12-13) to minister to His people. These experiences are found throughout scripture and should become a normal occurrence for us as well.

Paul the apostle prayed for the church at Ephesus to have the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God and Christ (Ephesians 1:17-18), which is key and fundamental in training our spiritual senses and walking in the spirit.

We have only scratched the surface on this topic, but hopefully, you will do some more research on your own and begin to press into growing in this area in your walk with the Lord.

Last but not least, we must learn to navigate both the spiritual and the natural realm well. We do not disregard common sense or natural responsibilities in favor of just being spiritually minded.

If we are truly spiritual, we will obey the scripture to renew our minds, be good parents, spouses, employees, friends, and family members. We will not neglect natural responsibilities as good stewards of the blessings God has provided. We will contribute to the welfare of others, which will include natural substance, time, and energy.

New subject next time. Until then, may God our Heavenly Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ richly bless and keep you.

James Brown CST

11/16/2025