To Listen First and Listen Well
Gracious Father,
You promise us that you hear (and answer!) every prayer offered through faith in the name of Jesus. This assurance means so much to us in a world with so much noise! That you, the Creator of and Ruler over all things, take the time to listen to the countless prayers of your people, both defies our comprehension and delivers us comfort.
Open my heart and my ears to listen to others as you do. We are quick to speak words and share opinions, but ought to be slow to speak and quick to listen instead. It starts with valuing other people and what they have to say. Forgive me for the times I’ve thought so little of others that I didn’t feel they were worth listening to. Just as I appreciate being heard, so also help me to be willing to bend my ear for others. And when I am listening, let me also be aware of my body language, so that I am not conveying disinterest or distraction to others while they speak. In a world of talkers-first, let me be a listener-first.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.