Being Quiet to Hear - Q in A-Z Challenge
"The quieter you become the more you can hear."
Ram Dass
Do you sense a transition or shift? For me, it's subtle but definitely there, getting ready for a new season. I seem to need more quietness these days in order to process and discern and walk into what's next. I admit there is a little tension inside with a part of me that says the quiet time is a waste of time, and another part that says it is crucial in order to move ahead in wisdom and grace.
“Let us labor for an inward stillness-
-An inward stillness and an inward healing.
That perfect silence where the lips and heart
Are still, and we no longer entertain
Our own imperfect thoughts and vain opinions,
But God alone speaks to us and we wait
In singleness of heart that we may know
His will, and in the silence of our spirits,
That we may do His will and do that only”
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
"God speaks in the silence of the heart.
Listening is the beginning of prayer."
Mother Teresa
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In fact:
"Listening is the language of love for everyone."
Author Unknown
I believe this is true. I've been noticing those who are good listeners are also those who ask questions and then wait for the answer, without the goal of waiting to respond.
Listening prayer is giving that courtesy to God who is always there to listen.
Lord, I want to listen to You -
to hear Your heart.
I quiet my thoughts and get alone with You
so I can hear You speak.
Questions for Listening Prayer
Lord, what do You want to say to me today?
What do You have to say to me about ____________?
Instead of forging ahead with my agenda, what are You giving me grace for?
What do You want me to work with You on?
Scripture
"You're my place of quiet retreat
and your wrap-around presence becomes my shield
as I wrap myself in your word."
~ Psalm 119:114 TPT
"Lord Yahweh,
the Holy One of Israel says,
'Come back to me.
By returning and resting
in me you will be saved.
In quietness and trust
you will be made strong.'"
~ Isaiah 30:15 NOG
"My heart,O God,
is quiet and confident.
Now I can sing with passion
Your wonderful praises."
~ Psalm 57:7 TPT
Lord God, I release my questions to you in quiet. I sense your love for me in the stillness.
Here are relevant words of an old hymn written by Cleland Boyd McAfee(1866-1944)
1) There is a place of quiet rest,Near to the heart of God,A place where sin cannot molest,Near to the heart of God.
(chorus)
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,Sent from the heart of God,Hold us, who wait before Thee,Near to the heart of God.
2) There is a place of comfort sweet,Near to the heart of God,A place where we our Savior meet,Near to the heart of God.
3) There is a place of full release,Near to the heart of God,A place where all is joy and peace,Near to the heart of God.
For Creative Listening Prayer Activities
check out my book:
Living Your Word 2019 Opportunity
Bernice Hopper, and Mary Brack, and I share insights through blog posts for keeping an Everyday Calendar Journal. We will be using the journal to record events, experiences and relationships; to explore our word’s meaning in visual and fun ways. If you would like to connect with others in creative way about organizing your word, your ideas, thoughts, prayers, events, or your projects all in one place, you are invited to join our Facebook group: Everyday Journals ~ Living Your Word of the Year.URL for Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/203309083575277/
URLs for Instagram: #livingyourword2019
CHECK OUT THE BLOGS:
Bernice: https://newlycreative.com
Mary: www.foundonbrighton.com
Valerie: https://valeriesjodin.com/blog/ this one :-)
