In 1 King’s 3:9 we come across a fascinating prayer, “Here’s what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil.” (The Message)
Whilst a poetical turn of phrase there is a depth in this concept of a listening heart.;
I adore the sound of the words "listening heart," whether they are read aloud or uttered. They bring to mind a peaceful moment, a place where you may hear and listen to what God is saying to you. These moments can occur during storms, when thunder roars all around you, or during the quiet of a dawn. We have taken the time to just "be" and cosy up in God's arms during these incredibly unique and meaningful times.
However, the listening heart is much more than that. In order to hear God's voice, we must also listen to the suffering that goes unheard in other people's hearts.We must pay attention to the throbbing of another person's heart as well as the muted screams of people who suffer—often in silence—and who conceal their anguish from everyone else.
We must tune our "listening heart" to recognise the need for God's love to be demonstrated to people through us, regardless of what we are doing or where we are.
A listening heart knows how to be sensitive to God’s presence. It is built on a basic trust in God’s faithfulness and to his willingness to communicate himself: it is indeed possible to seek and find what is God’s project for me.
Listening God, you hear us when we cannot speak,
when despair and turmoil leave us faint and weak.
In love you call us back to you again
and your grace reminds us how you feel our pain
God we praise you that you’re a listening God,
you listen to the cry of your people across the world.
Come to us in our pain and in our despair
and clothe us in the garments of love. Amen
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