How's Your Prayer Life?

How would you describe your current prayer life?

Rich. Quick. Short. Oops maybe later. Distant. Talkative. One way.

Have you ever described it as Listening?

The Masterful Teacher, Jesus, loved to give images that lingered in our minds to remind us of some powerful truths that can enrich our lives and relationships. "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27 Daily, people saw, experienced and interacted with shepherds. If anyone stopped and watched for a few moments, they would have seen how each shepherd uniquely communicated with their sheep. The sheep clearly recognized their shepherd's voice and ignored other shepherds. One word, signal, call from the shepherd would catch the attention of the sheep. The sheep would respond, follow and go where the shepherd communicated.

Has your prayer life grown to the point you clearly recognize Jesus' voice? All of us have so many voices in our heads; advertisements, teachers, parents, temptations, ourselves and Jesus. Can you tell the difference? Can you recognize the world's voice, our own voice, the evil one's voice, Jesus' voice?

How do you respond to these voices?
How do you respond to Jesus' voice these days?

Are you listening?
Is He saying come, sit, let's talk?
Is He saying something you have been avoiding for awhile?
Is He saying someone's name whom He wants to serve and care for through you?
Is He saying a place He wants you to be in His presence?
Is He saying...

Are you listening?

One of my personal life missions is to hear Jesus' still small voice and then to have the courage to do what He says.
Too often, I miss or do not take the time or I assume Jesus' voice. I need those regular reminders that Jesus is always seeking to sit and talk with me. The big question is, will I pull up a chair, listen and then risk to do what Jesus is sharing... How about you?

Seeking to listen today,
Pastor Chris