Lent-Day 24
Lent 2010: A Season for Listening
3/16/10 – Day 24
Listening to The Teachings of Jesus: Part 13
But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!” -Luke 11:28
For all of us who think that we can sit still and look engaged while our minds are really some where else, be on notice God is wise to you. From an early age I learned that to really pay attention I have to keep busy. I am one of those people who doodle while on the telephone or during meetings. Sometimes people get the impression that I am bored and not listening, but that could not be further from the truth. Occupying my hands is the best way for me to focus. There are times when what feels the most like prayer to me looks like something else.
I have learned that some of us can understand and retain information better is we can connect it with something tactual and immediate. When did we forget that we also use our bodies to listen? There is a practical reason for all of our sitting, standing and kneeling during worship. Sometimes we have to do something to keep moving in order to be continually aware of God’s presence.
Does anybody read instruction manuals for fun? Have you ever read a wiring schematic just for trivia knowledge? Maybe, but probably not (and I would not tell anyone if you did) some forms of communications are for helping us do something. God does not speak to us because God wants to hear the sound of God’s voice. God’s voice we are told is the prime mover, when God speaks things happen. God does not disrupt the fabric of our being just to give us nuggets of information that we can use to impress friends and win bets with. God expects us to do something in response to what we are hearing. At times we have to be busy doing in order to hear and certainly to understand.
Today I think God is telling you to do something. I think God is telling us important things to do all the time, but we are to often not in a place to hear it. Today I want you to take a step toward what God is calling you to do. Today I want you to listen to God with your body. Take the time and expend the effort to do something uncharacteristically godly and see if you don’t receive a blessing. – Rev. John Mattox
Let us pray,
Lord,
How often have we sought signs,
in the skys, in songs, in your word.
What is really amazing is that you
are all around us. Help us to see you.
Amen.
-Rev. Katie Mattox
