October 20, 2021 –
People are often so busy talking or anticipating their turn to speak that they miss what the other person is saying. Successful people have mastered the art of listening, so they know what is said and what is not said. Often, what’s not said is the most critical part of the conversation.
Sometimes the answer to a prayer request seems not to have been heard, but God’s silence may mean: You are to lean in and listen, getting closer to God, so, in His small, still voice, you hear His answer. Other reasons for God’s silence are that you have sinned against a brother and must settle your disagreement before you hear God’s voice. The timing may not be correct, but remember, God is always on time. Your request is for something you want, not something you need. God supplies all our needs and not necessarily our wants.
When you read the Bible, God speaks to you. While you wait to hear His voice, meditate on the words of the Psalmist “What is man that You remember him, the son of man that You look after him? You made him little less than God and crowned him with glory and honor.” (Psalm 8:4-5, HCSB). We are precious in the Lord’s sight, and He wants to communion with us.
As you pray, you speak to God. You pray like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”