In my previous career as a hospice nurse, I took classes, read books, and attended seminars on how to be a good listener. During Kairos prison ministry training, a Fourth Day Christian program in Correctional Centers, we practice "active listening" skills. We take turns being the talker, the listener and the one observing the exchange. We have learned that there are ways to listen and there are ways to "listen." Think about some of the conversations you have had lately. If you are like most of us, you want to be on the talking end. We have something to share and we want to say it. We don't pay attention to what is being said because we are too busy thinking about our response. Sometimes we can hardly wait until the other person takes a breath so we can jump in and take over. At times, we don't even wait until the other person pauses and we jump right in on top of them. We are all guilty of this at times.
It is hard to listen, especially if we don't exactly like or agree with what we are hearing. Then we pull down the shades a little and only listen here and there, fading in and out. Sometimes we fold our arms and stop listening completely, counting the seconds or minutes until we can end the conversation.
Other times we have good intentions of listening but we get distracted. Grocery lists or errands make their way into our thoughts. Cares and concerns not related to this conversation take over and we find ourselves having no idea what the other person has been saying.
Active listening involves being engaged with the person to whom we are listening. Being present. Being open. Engaging with them means we care about what they are saying. Being present means reducing those distractions as much as possible. Being open means that setting aside our judgment and criticism.
Active listening is beneficial both for us and the one we are listening to. Active listening opens up new worlds for us as we hear different perspectives. Active listening allows others to experience grace. Jesus Christ practiced active listening although it didn't have a name then. Jesus was engaged with everyone that he entered into a conversation with. He cared about them. Jesus was fully present. He didn't allow the distractions of the world to interfere. Jesus was open to all who approached him, offering love and mercy to those who wanted to change their lives.
When we actively listen for God, we will be changed. Our lives will be transformed. We will grow in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. When we practice actively listening to God, our faith will grow stronger and our relationship with Jesus Christ will grow closer.
Set aside quiet time, away from distractions. Expect that God will speak to you. Brush away the distracting thoughts with "Holy Spirit," "Jesus Christ, Son of God," or "Come, Lord Jesus." Let God speak. Just listen.
