Do theists really believe god is listening to every single person on Earth? How would that work?

Just a genuine question. Ive been an atheist my entire life and I always hear about people saying they are talking to god. But how could there be 8 billion of us and hundreds of millions of people speaking to god at the same time? How could it be possible that one being or god (im not sure what it is considered) can hear everyone and provide for everyone?? And some people say that he speaks back or gives a sign or whatnot.. how does that work??