I had a conversation this morning with a friend about listening. Listening to God and then following Him in the direction He reveals. As I enter this new year, with Advent just around the corner, I am reminded that I want this Advent to be a season of listening. I want to be sure to not get caught up in the busyness of the world around me, but rather become a listener – listening to stories of longing for hope and deliverance, listening to the cries of God’s people for a Messiah, listening to those in my community, listening to my family, and, of course, listening to God.
I came across this prayer that I wrote a while back and again, it reminds me to listen. (I think there is a theme going on here!!)
Lord, my world is so often abuzz with noise
My body feels the obligation to always be doing
My mind is filled with a cacophony of voices
vying for my attention
I hear people
I hear endless words
I hear discordant sounds
…I hear everything, but You.
So as I enter into this day
I ask for Your grace and mercy
to be still
to rest
to be quiet
So I may open my ears and heart to You
Father, settle me in Your stillness
Jesus, teach me to listen
Spirit, speak
Today, I will listen
To the Three, I will listen
