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- Feb 9, 2004
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Although it's too seldom taught or practiced, our communing with God consists of two equally important parts: prayer and meditation. Prayer is our talking to God. Most of us have this aspect down. Meditation is our listening to God. And here most of us need a bit of work.
Have you ever been in a relationship where the other person does all the talking? There's an up side to this: you become a good listener, and the other person feels great comfort and ease sharing personal issues with you. But there's a down side too: as you're called upon to always listen and never talk, you can begin feeling unknown, perhaps a little unloved, and sometimes, even used.
Now, think about how this scenario might apply to your relationship with God. Are you doing all the talking, without ever taking the time to listen? If you're sharing with Him from the depths of your heart, and seeking guidance and wisdom, that's fantastic! By all means, keep it up. Just make sure, that as you do this, you're also taking the time and training the ears of your heart to listen to God as well.
Remember, God tends to speak with a still, small voice; He very rarely shouts at His children. That's why meditation is such an important aspect of prayer. It teaches you to develop a quiet, patient heart and an open attentive ear. These are essential components of the mature Christian.
- Steve Arterburn
Have you ever been in a relationship where the other person does all the talking? There's an up side to this: you become a good listener, and the other person feels great comfort and ease sharing personal issues with you. But there's a down side too: as you're called upon to always listen and never talk, you can begin feeling unknown, perhaps a little unloved, and sometimes, even used.
Now, think about how this scenario might apply to your relationship with God. Are you doing all the talking, without ever taking the time to listen? If you're sharing with Him from the depths of your heart, and seeking guidance and wisdom, that's fantastic! By all means, keep it up. Just make sure, that as you do this, you're also taking the time and training the ears of your heart to listen to God as well.
Remember, God tends to speak with a still, small voice; He very rarely shouts at His children. That's why meditation is such an important aspect of prayer. It teaches you to develop a quiet, patient heart and an open attentive ear. These are essential components of the mature Christian.
- Steve Arterburn
