Listening Matters...

John 10:27 "My sheep hears my voice, and I know, then they follow me."

Praying is our way of communicating with God. We pray because we have special intentions, we thank for the graces we have received, we pray for protection. We talk to God. One of the things I learned is that praying is not only talking to God but also LISTENING to God. We allow, through prayer, Him to say what He wants, or for us to FEEL His presence. Perhaps, many of us pray and talk without listening.

Communication is one of the important factors in relationships -- frienship, husband and wife, children and parents, teachers and students, and so on. This is also important in relating with God. Many would feel empty or alone, and they pray, groping, asking God "WHY?" or "Where are you, Lord?" Perhaps, we just forgot that God never leaves us, that He carries us when we cannot take another step, or comforts us when all else seem dark. But we don't feel it! Why? Perhaps, we are too focused with the problem, too engulfed with our feelings that wecould hear nothing but our cries. Communication also means allowing the Other to talk to you, and give you comfort. And that only happens when we open our hearts and our minds, set pride aside.

Let us allow Jesus to hold us and give comfort through His words. Let us also learn to listen to His voice, even in the most dark moments. His words bring hope and you'll never know, dark clouds are gone.

Yes, prayer with Listening allows me to be more sensitive with God's words. Listening matters, all the time.