4/17/2023
Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr.

James 1:19 (AMP): "Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]."

In a world filled with distractions, noise, and endless opinions, it is easy to become overwhelmed and lose our ability to truly listen. While the act of listening may seem like a simple, passive endeavor, it is indeed an art that requires intention, discipline, and humility. In our walk with Christ, spiritual listening is essential, as it allows us to grow in faith and wisdom and cultivate a deeper relationship with our Creator.

The Call to Listen

James 1:19 reminds us of the importance of being "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." This verse serves as a gentle reminder that listening is about our interactions with others and our relationship with God. We are called to listen first – to be open to the voice of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom that comes from above.

Not Listening: The Barriers

Many barriers prevent us from being good listeners. Pride, fear, and impatience often hinder our ability to hear God's voice and understand His will for our lives. We may feel the need to assert our own opinions or defend our positions, which can lead to conflict and division. By breaking down these barriers and cultivating a spirit of humility, we open ourselves up to the transformative power of God's Word.

The Art of Spiritual Listening

1. Silence the Noise:
   
2. In order to listen well, we must first quiet the noise in our lives. This means setting aside time for prayer, reflection, and meditation. By creating a sacred space where we can connect with God, we can better discern His voice and guidance.
3. Practice Humility: Spiritual listening requires that we humble ourselves before God, acknowledging that His wisdom and understanding surpass our own. This humility allows us to receive His guidance and submit our lives to His will.
4. Be Patient: Good listening takes time and patience. It is not always easy to discern God's voice amidst the cacophony of life, but with patience and perseverance, we can learn to recognize His gentle whisper.
5. Be Open to Correction: As we grow in our ability to listen, we must be willing to accept correction and redirection. The Holy Spirit often uses the Word of God and the counsel of others to challenge our assumptions and guide us on the right path.

So, to recapitulate:

The art of spiritual listening is an essential component of our Christian walk. By silencing the noise, practicing humility, being patient, and being open to correction, we can grow in our relationship with God and walk more closely with Him. May we always be quick to listen and slow to speak so that we might be transformed by the renewing power of God's Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, seeking the gift of spiritual listening. Help us to silence the noise in our lives and to create a sacred space where we can connect with You. Teach us to be still and to recognize Your gentle whisper amidst the clamor of the world.

Lord, grant us the humility to acknowledge Your wisdom and to submit our lives to Your will. Help us to be patient as we discern Your guidance and open our hearts to accept the correction and redirection You provide through Your Word and the counsel of others.

Father, as we grow in our ability to listen, may we be transformed by the renewing power of Your Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Equip us to be instruments of Your love, grace, and peace in a world that is in desperate need of Your touch.

We pray all of this in the precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To God Be The Glory!