This is something I wrote back in March 2011. Since then I realize that I'd like to add further thought with it, but first here's what I wrote at that time...
I mostly use my laptop when I do what I call my P&P (prayer and prophecy) - call it my Crystal Ball or whatever. What it does is simply to help me focus.
I suppose I should be disciplined enough to just be quiet, listen to the Lord and tune in, but I find I get distracted by a ton of thoughts that flood my mind instead - good ideas, loose ends that come to mind - most of them simply distractions that keep me from the best, the sweet voice of Jesus. I'm sure you've heard the expression, "the good is often the enemy of the best" - that's what I am talking about. When it's time to tune in to His voice it's not time to review your "to-do" list etc.
Anyway, I put my fingers on the keyboard, ask the Lord to make me a little more humble and to create a vacuum in my heart for Him. Then I present my question(s), or simply ask the Lord to show me what's on His mind, and then I start writing down what comes - before the enemy has time to throw in his doubts.
Hebrews 4:16 says, "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." I don't think I need be an ordained minister or have a PhD in Theology or be super spiritual to come to God through Jesus. It's simply by His grace. So I just start typing what comes and take it by faith that it's Him speaking.
I'm not so sure I always get it right, and sometimes I have to type a bit before I get the feeling it's starting to flow. But at times I know it's the Lord simply because of what I call "the wisdom factor". It's so cool to read back over what I got a few days later, because I see things in there that just couldn't have been me. I know I am not that smart, I know I simply couldn't have figured that out by myself.
So yeah, He's the wisdom up your sleeve, He's there and He can speak to little ol' me - and you :-)
Personal instruction from the Lord is not just a wonderful way to stay on track, I believe it's essential to get the Lord's leading in all the little and big decisions of life. Someone once said that there is nothing too small or insignificant for the Lord. He is concerned about every little detail in life and creation.
It's wonderful to get your personal guidance from Jesus. However I feel this should come with a bit of a disclaimer.
One time a friend asked me to "hear from the Lord" for him. I answered that I didn't mind trying to do that, but then I realized what a big responsibility it is to "prophesy" for someone else. I'll admit it would be awe-inspiring to proclaim "thus sayeth the Lord", but I for one would be reluctant to assert such authority :-)
That is not to say that what you get cannot be an encouragement for others. But I will also say that it can throw a wicked punch to proclaim, "the Lord told me this and that!" - That kind of attitude can easily lead to religiosity and spiritual bondage. So we need to be clear about the distinction.
By no means would I discourage you to practice hearing from the Lord, but keep in mind, He gives you what you have the faith to receive and He knows what YOU need and are capable of.
Prophecy can be pure, tainted, coloured, influenced or even false and misleading. But as the old saint said, "don't be so afraid of everything that you ain't got nutin'". According to your faith be it done unto you. ~ Mat.9:29 Just stay close to Jesus!
For more on the topic of hearing from the Lord I recommend reading Issue 5 - "God Speaks" from the Activated Basic Course.
