Good afternoon, friends. Sunday, I spoke about the motto for the United Church of Christ: “God is Still Speaking,.” For me, the question is not whether God continues to speak to us in the 21st Century. I want to say: “Of course God still speaks!” But the more pertinent issue is whether or not I am listening. Am I able to tune in to God’s wavelength, and hear that still small voice in the middle of life’s chaos?
Listening to the voice of God is an art that is perfected with a great deal of practice and persistence. It is also a skill that cannot be developed without the parallel skill of tuning out the racket and useless noise of our everyday lives.
We have so few moments in our day that are truly quiet. If we aren’t surrounded by literal racket, it is often an issue of our minds being cluttered and noisy and seldom still. So it is understandable that we have trouble hearing.
The Old Testament book about the prophet Samuel tells of his early childhood as an assistant to Eli, the priest in the temple. As a small boy, he was resting in the temple when he thought he heard his name being called. When he went to see what Eli wanted, Eli said he didn’t call, but to go back lie down and if he heard the voice again, he was to say: “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.”
Practicing this art of expectant listening is great advice. Try it the next time you are in a quandary and see what comes to your mind!
Let’s Pray: God, we can only pray: “Give us listening hearts – today.” Amen.
