Andrew said:
God speaks to us in basically 3 ways:
1. Audible voice (very rare, perhaps once or twice in your lifetime).
2. Still small voice (something like 1. but inwardly, but also rarely, maybe 5-10% of the time).
3. Inward witness or 'knowing' or impression or promptings (this is the chief way God speaks to us today, probably 99% of the time).
I heard one time that 99.12453% of all statistics are made up on the spot. Most un-scientific statistics are bassed upon personal experience, or sometimes educated guesses.
Point number 1, the audible voice, which you say is very rare, is not nearly as rare as people might think. It is just not openly talked about.
I have only heard the audible voice of God once, but it was an experence that I will not soon forget. It was very intament, very direct, and it knocked me to the ground before I knew what was happening.
My grandfather, who has dedicated his life to prayer (4, 6, sometimes 8 hours a day!!! wow!) ragularly hears the audible voice of God. He is always dissapointed if God audibly talks to him 2 or 3 times a month, because he is used to every night. But, God, in His soverenty desides how much He will talk.
If God speaks to my grandpa when you are in the room various things happen. Sometimes it's just a sweet presence, other times you are thrown to the ground along with my grandpa. It's an amazing experence just being around such a man of God.
(Note: God does not always knock you down when He audibly speaks, but He does when He wants to get your attention.)
I know that most people that will read this will react in one of two ways. Ether they will say it just doesn't happen today, or they will wish they too, can hear the voice of God.
It is not as dificult as you may think to be in a place that God will accually audibly talk to you. All you have to do is accually serve Him, and spend time with Him. Not just spend a few min a day in prayer, but give Him entire days. Take a weekend and spend it fasting and praying . . . even if you do not hear anything. Do it often, do it every chance you can . . . and He will talk to you too!!!