We all have friends like Larry. The guy who views people as microphones to speak to and we get to be the captive audience. But when it comes time for us to speak, Larry's eyes glaze over with momentary boredom till the subject goes back to him again. Larry is a talker, not a listener. And the depth of a relationship with a guy like that can be measured in teaspoons.
In a time of prayer recently, I had to catch myself because I had become Larry. It was all about me and had been for quite some time. Though I had offered up praise to the Most High, and petitioned Him for others and myself, I didn't take time to listen. If I don't like that in a friend, then I shouldn't act like that to a friend.
Prayer should be a two-way conversation with times of speaking and times of listening. Sometimes that listening should be with pen and paper close by especially when asking for wisdom and direction.
James 1:5 lets us know that “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Comforting words...if I stick around long enough, and shut up and listen.
In my experience, listening to the Spirit is an acquired skill. We can have so much noise in our heads, that sometimes we can't hear anything else. It's easy to mistake his voice for our own. Reading the Word will help to keep things clear because his Spirit will never go against his Word. It will always agree with the Word and will often times bring the scriptures back to our remembrance.
If God seems quiet, then maybe it's because He knows we won't let Him get a word in edgewise. Too bad for us! Consider this verse from Hebrews 11, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” God rewards those who diligently seek him! What kinds of rewards? Answers, direction, healing, wisdom, peace, etc. It's a lengthy list.
Prayer isn't a favor we do for God. We are the ones in need – not him. Prayer is the powerful pathway to the King of Glory, who seeks to show himself strong on the behalf of those whose hearts are perfect toward him. If we take the time to listen, we will hear the wisdom of the Almighty and as a bonus, get a free attitude adjustment. Sounds like a great way to start the day.
Did you hear that, Larry?
If you liked this, add a comment by clicking on the “comment(s)” link at the top of this article. Feel free to pass this along to your friends and as always, have a seriously above average day!
Prayer should be a two-way conversation with times of speaking and times of listening. Sometimes that listening should be with pen and paper close by especially when asking for wisdom and direction.
James 1:5 lets us know that “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Comforting words...if I stick around long enough, and shut up and listen.
In my experience, listening to the Spirit is an acquired skill. We can have so much noise in our heads, that sometimes we can't hear anything else. It's easy to mistake his voice for our own. Reading the Word will help to keep things clear because his Spirit will never go against his Word. It will always agree with the Word and will often times bring the scriptures back to our remembrance.
If God seems quiet, then maybe it's because He knows we won't let Him get a word in edgewise. Too bad for us! Consider this verse from Hebrews 11, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” God rewards those who diligently seek him! What kinds of rewards? Answers, direction, healing, wisdom, peace, etc. It's a lengthy list.
Prayer isn't a favor we do for God. We are the ones in need – not him. Prayer is the powerful pathway to the King of Glory, who seeks to show himself strong on the behalf of those whose hearts are perfect toward him. If we take the time to listen, we will hear the wisdom of the Almighty and as a bonus, get a free attitude adjustment. Sounds like a great way to start the day.
Did you hear that, Larry?
If you liked this, add a comment by clicking on the “comment(s)” link at the top of this article. Feel free to pass this along to your friends and as always, have a seriously above average day!
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