Words to Grow On

Archive Devotions

September 6, 2004

"A Listening Friend"

By:

Gladys DeMichael

"Are you listening to me? Really listening?"

Matthew 11:15

(The Message)

We all have times of hearing but not listening. Traveling in the car with the radio on, we hear sounds and voices, but if our concentration is on something else, it would be a challenge to repeat what we just heard. In conversation, it's quite evident after a few minutes whether the other person is listening or not. Eugene Peterson's words for our scripture strike home. How often we have said these words or had them spoken to us.

Listening is a skill that many of us find difficult to master. Being a good listener requires that you concentrate on the other person, not yourself. (Joanna Wallace)

A listening friend is a treasure. In situations where words seem inadequate and the feeling of helplessness abounds, listening is a priceless gift to give a friend. Reverse the roles. When you are in need, what do you want most from a friend? A listening ear! As a friend, we may not be able to change a painful situation, but we can listen . . . with ears that are open in our heart. Think of someone who needs your listening ear today. Contact her and listen .

Prayer

Precious Lord, I praise you that your ear is always open to my prayers. In my relationships, enable me to concentrate on others rather than myself. I want to be a 'heart-listening friend.' Thank you for those past painful times when a friend drew near to me and listened. She was truly you in the flesh.

Amen

  Editors Note:

The following devotional was sritten for "heart preparation" for the women attending a "Journey in Grace" Women's Conference in 1998.