Listening Well

Almost 40 years ago a pastor in Mansfield, Ohio shared his 'rule of life' with me. Every day he answered three questions: 1) What did I say to God?; 2) What did God say to me?; and 3) What am I going to do in light of what was said?It seemed rather straight-forward. And it many ways it is. His 'rule of life' meant he had to pray, listen (in meditation and contemplation), and then respond in some fashion. He said the hardest of the three was listening! But it seemed to be the most important for him. Listening purged his soul of his psychological defenses which were disguised within his religious life. Listening helped him be confident of his response (many times the best response was no response until he was sure he had truly heard God and not simply his own agenda).I am reminded of the words of the prophet Isaiah who promised, "Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and afflication for drink, he will still be with you to teach you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes, and you will hear a voice say, 'This is the way; turn around and walk here'" (Isaiah 30:20-21).Today I long to be sensitive to the voice of God so that I respond well.