The God Who Speaks - June 2007

"Listen"

Greetings friends,

One would think that I could finally get the point re: LISTENING and then move on to other things. And while I am pursuing other avenues of thought and prayer, God continues to call us deeper and wider into the discipline of listening. Here are some highlights:

1. God is reminding me to give great care to listening to others. Whether I am called to teach a lesson or to share the gospel or to offer prayers for healing, God is really nudging me to give greater care and attention to the stories of those with whom I'm engaging. Sometimes I tend to rush into listening for God's voice so that I can share what He has to offer, but the Lord seems to be saying, "You won't ask me the right questions if you aren't listening to their stories." The wisest counsel, the most effective evangelism and the most anointed healing arise as a response to the life stories of those to whom we listen best.

By way of application, can I suggest that you take and make enough time this week to ask someone, "What is your story?" As they share, can you hear the hidden prayers inherent in their desires and their frustrations?

2. This notion, offered by Steve Imbach, blows my mind. The question is not what I should pray or how I should pray, but rather, what AM I already praying (what messages is God hearing) through my fumblings and failings. For example, when I am consumed in my busy-ness, what deep-hearted request is my spirit shouting to the heavens? What's the prayer behind the madness? If we LISTEN to the underlying passion that God would hold us, save us, rescue us, etc. then we could perhaps and actually ask Him for what it is we REALLY want. He might meet us right there and then.

3. God is also calling us to listen to our lives more. What does this mean? I heard a quote the other day, something like this: "The moments of our lives are a revelation from God." Living today -- living in the moment -- we begin to hear God's messages through day by day events. My friend Lorie recommends this exercise:

Write down the plans of the day, then ask the Lord to highlight a particular moment when He intends to meet you. You can ask Him ahead of time where He'll be and how he wants to share that time with you. What does He want to show you. When the time comes, you'll be in tune to pick up the revelation that that event offers. The fruit that we'll find here is primarily "divine friendship."

If you would like to further cultivate DIVINE FRIENDSHIP, I'm recommending a new book that my friend, Fr. Mike Stewart, just published. It just arrived from the press yesterday. It's titled, "NO CROWDS PRESENT: Reflections on Contemplation and Divine Friendship." It's a great little devotional consisting of 12 refections on friendship with Jesus. Each chapter ends with a special question for God. You can order it from my website at www.bradjersak.com.

Thanks for listening,

Your prayers would be welcome as I make my first trip to Holland this afternoon. Pray that ears would be open to the voice of God... and for strength for the journey. Many blessings,

Brad Jersak