Not unusually, I began my morning with journaling and was recognizing I was having trouble listening with interest yesterday and praying the Lord would help me in this particular, specific area. And as I proceeded in Matthew, I felt like Holy Spirit gave me a glimpse of my heart, longing to listen the way I want to be heard. Remarkably, again Lord, you show me your way, gently, kindly, lovingly and simply.
My prayer today came from this scripture.
Matthew 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the prophets.
This Lord – help me see this – each day – be interested in what someone chooses to share – not weighing, not judging, not offering unasked for ideas and advice, but simply (ha) listen – listen well – listen in love – listen – Lord – this feels big. This is what I want. What you would have them do to you means listening with focus, without distraction, with eyes and body facing, putting down stuff. Lord help me in this to be the best listener I know. Help me to listen well.
And this opens a door into so many things, areas, behaviors, choices, decisions. Lord, help me to choose your way in all my interactions. So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…