Day 80: Practice Better Listening

DAY 80

Faith in the Midst of a Pandemic

A series of daily reflections for people of fait

by Rev. Robert Bayley, Interim Pastor

Patuxent Presbyterian Church, California, Maryland

WEEK TWELVE: TUESDAY 2 JUNE 2020

Practice Better Listening

“The world is moving at a much slower pace during the coronavirus pandemic, which presents a unique opportunity to listen to those close to you, or to those you wish were closer to you. Whether in person or on the phone, listening develops understanding, strengthens ties and shows you care. And it’s also how you know when you’ve heard enough and it’s time to give each other some space.” - From a recent newspaper article by the same name.

The four or five people surrounding her bed in the hospital room were well-meaning as they strongly petitioned heaven for a miraculous healing of her terminal cancer. ‘Claiming’ her healing, they then left and in the stillness of their absence I waited, finally asking, “What do you think is happening, Helen?” to which she replied, “I’m dying, and I wish someone would acknowledge it.” She had told her close praying friends the same thing, but they weren’t listening.

The Biblical admonition is strong and unavoidable, not a suggestion but a command: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, …” - James 1:19. The Triune God is a listener – “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” - Jeremiah 29:12, and He calls us to go and do likewise. Seven times to seven churches God the Spirit doesn’t ask for a spoken response but rather a listening ear: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says …” Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 11, 22.

The coronavirus initiated hours, days, weeks, and months of constant interaction unlike anything most have known before. How are we responding? For some, the pressure, anxiety and even fear precipitate increased talking to the point of grating incessant chatter. Others withdraw for many of the same reasons and enter a time and place of almost reclusive silence. Both scenarios make genuine listening to others in the house unlikely. How we listen to others in some ways is mirrored in how we listen to God, and vice versa. We would do well to embrace Samuel’s conversational posture toward the Lord in our dialogue with God as well as with each other, a sort of ‘you-speak-first-and-I’ll-listen’ attitude: “Speak, for your servant is listening.” - 1 Samuel 3:7.

Reflective question: In what relationships with God and/or others do you need to listen more and talk less?

Reflective Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:7 – “There is a time to be silent and a time to speak.”

Reflective hymn:

“Master, Speak! Thy Servant Heareth” – Frances Havergal (1836-1879)

Master, speak! And make me ready,

when Thy voice is truly heard.

With obedience glad and steady, still to follow every word.

I am listening, Lord, for Thee: Master speak, O speak to me!