Pauses for Lent Day 18
Pauses for Lent by Trevor Hudson
Day 18 Word: LISTEN
Scripture: “Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak.” James 1:19
The German theologian and martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer once wrote, “Many people are looking for an ear that will listen. They do not find it among Christians, because these Christians are talking when they should be listening.”
Listening lies at the heart of life with God. In order to listen to God, we need to learn to listen to the person next to us. After all, how can we listen to God, whom we cannot see, if we cannot listen to the person we can see?
Lent can be a time to embark on a spiritual practice of learning to listen, especially to those closest to us. Let listening become an everyday habit, a way of life.
Comment from Marie: One of the best compliments I can think of is to hear, “You’re such a good listener” and along those same lines, “Thank you for listening.” Like any skill, listening requires practice. I hope to use my time to become a better listener both to those around me and to the still small voice of God. Please share your thoughts on today’s word.
Day 18 Word: LISTEN
Scripture: “Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak.” James 1:19
The German theologian and martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer once wrote, “Many people are looking for an ear that will listen. They do not find it among Christians, because these Christians are talking when they should be listening.”
Listening lies at the heart of life with God. In order to listen to God, we need to learn to listen to the person next to us. After all, how can we listen to God, whom we cannot see, if we cannot listen to the person we can see?
Lent can be a time to embark on a spiritual practice of learning to listen, especially to those closest to us. Let listening become an everyday habit, a way of life.
Comment from Marie: One of the best compliments I can think of is to hear, “You’re such a good listener” and along those same lines, “Thank you for listening.” Like any skill, listening requires practice. I hope to use my time to become a better listener both to those around me and to the still small voice of God. Please share your thoughts on today’s word.
3 Comments
We all need someone to listen. Oftentimes I find myself talking when I should be listening. This is a good reminder. I’m thankful that God is ALWAYS a good listener!
Pastor Jeremy speaks of the Holy Act of Listening. It's an aspect of my faith that I really need to work on - not only in Listening to God but in those closest to me. Once again our "pause" has brought new thoughts and introspection. So much room for improvement...
I feel the same way, Candi. I need to remember to be quiet and let someone talk when they need to have someone listen.