listening

Reflect When I was working in the admissions office at Memphis Theological Seminary (MTS), I got to talk with prospective students about their interest in seminary. Regardless of age, race, gender, or background, their stories all had at least one common element. They felt God was calling them to seminary. Some didn’t know exactly what […]

Focus Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today. Read Psalm 29 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) A Psalm of David. Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe […]

Focus Prepare yourself to discern what is and what is not of God today. Still yourself so you can hear how God is calling you. Read Acts 10:9-23 (NRSV) About noon the next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry […]

Focus As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place. Read Luke 9:28-36 (NRSV) Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was […]

Focus Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today. Read Psalm 19 (NRSV) To the leader. A Psalm of David. The heavens are telling the glory of God; and […]

Focus Pay attention to the tension in your body. Let go of it and any expectations to do anything, but God’s will today. Prepare yourself to hear God’s word. Read Psalm 81 (NRSV) Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob. Raise a song, sound the tambourine, the sweet […]

Focus Prepare yourself to discern what is and what is not of God today. Still yourself so you can hear how God is calling you. Read Psalm 85:8-13 (NRSV) Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him […]

Focus Relax and listen. Consciously prepare to hear God’s Word. Clear your mind of the worries and tasks that lie before you. Open your heart and allow it to refresh. Read Mark 3:7-12 (NRSV) Jesus departed with his disciples to the sea, and a great multitude from Galilee followed him; hearing all that he was […]

Focus Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time. Read John 14:25-26 (NRSV) “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach […]

Focus Prepare yourself to discern what is and what is not of God today. Still yourself so you can hear how God is calling you. Read John 10:1-10 (NRSV) “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a […]