Listen More, Talk Less

Given March 6, 2007
I get to be around a lot of smart people in the course of the many activities I'm involved in. My work puts me in contact with important people in education and technology, sometimes I'm with state and nationally known political figures, and frequently I'm around giants in the faith. One thing they all have in common is that they know more than me. They are experts in their fields and I listen to them a lot.

Now think about prayer. In prayer, we're talking with someone who know a lot, wouldn't you say? God knows exactly what we need and wants to get that information to us for our good. But think about it; how much talking do we do in prayer and how much do we listen?

We are conversing with the one who knows everything and we spend most of the time talking! How backwards is that? "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you. Exodus 15:26." Listen!

I know, it's hard to do; to be quiet and just listen but you'll be amazed at what God will reveal to you when you do. Try it the next time you pray. It will be uncomfortable for awhile but be patient and you'll hear that "still, small voice", 1 Kings 19:12.