Often, I find myself talking when I should be listening. Listening is a learned skill that takes practice. Sometimes I write on an index card the word “listen” and keep it in my pocket. (I should also write “Don’t talk too much!”)
The most important time to “listen” is when we are praying. We can grow our Christian faith and nourish our Christian life by regularly studying the bible and attending Church services. But the way to pull it all together is to “listen” as we talk daily with God in prayer… “I need help”…“Why am I here?”… ”What should I do with my life?”… ”Which path should I choose?”…”Will you forgive me for what I did?”….”What is the right thing for me to do?”
In this busy world of ours, it is hard to filter out the constant distractions and concentrate on what we want to accomplish. How should we talk with God?
Matthew offers this advice:
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your father who is in secret; and your father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:6
Before we pray, we need to eliminate distractions and find a private location. So next time you want to talk with God, just shut the door and listen.
Father, we thank you for listening to our prayers. Help us to hear your reply. We want to learn your plan for us. Amen
