The Gift of Listening

One of the most respectful and generous gifts we can give another person is to really listen to them and receive the stories they have to tell us. Sometimes it will be a voice of wisdom we need to hear and learn from for our own journey.  At other times it’s a gift of compassion to receive what someone has to say as they gift us with something vulnerable, even painful  that is better carried when shared. 

These are wonderful words about God’s involvement in this way in our lives:  I told You about my life, and You listened to me; teach me Your statutes.  Psalm 119:26

I know in my own life that some of the most precious memories I carry are of those who listened long to me when I was trying to tell what needed saying but not doing a great job of communicating it.  Their perseverance to listen and accompany me has made all the difference in my journey to healing and to recognizing God’s presence in all the moments of my life – the good and the difficult.

So Loving God, we give thanks that You are a God who listens.  Over and over again in Your Word we read about how You heard the cries of people who suffered and acted on their behalf.  You are an attentive and caring God and we are so grateful that we can live today in Your care. 

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15

It’s why we remind ourselves in these moments together God, that You are with us, that You are listening, and that You are ready to respond to the cry of our hearts. 

We’re grateful that You are not just a “heavenly bellhop” who brings us whatever we think we need but You teach us what is good and right and You act in the most beneficial ways to bring about what we really need rather than what we know in a moment. What security that brings. What peace of mind. 

Today we want to make it a priority to pay attention to Your voice and to be good listeners both to You and those You bring across our path. Help us to listen well with our hearts and to be kind as You’ve done so often with us. Amen

Let’s enjoy this day and all we will hear as we give ourselves to listening.