Spirituality Resources

A LISTENING HEART

INTRODUCTION
All things are brought into existence by God's creative Word. The human experience is a dialogue with God. That God speaks is one of the most profound insights reflected in biblical literature.

INVITATION TO PRAYER
LEADER: God's Word is spoken in time and space.
ALL: Lord, give me a listening heart.
LEADER: God's Word is always spoken in the now.
ALL: Lord, help me to be attentive to the present moment.
LEADER: God's Word is the source of life.
ALL: Lord, nurture your Word in my life.

SCRIPTURE READING
I Samuel 3:1–10

REFLECTIVE LISTENING
Suggested songs:
"Here I Am, Lord" by Daniel Schutte, S.J.
"Speak, Lord" by Gary Ault

GUIDED REFLECTION
Listening to God is another way of being attentive to the presence of God in our lives. Being present to this moment allows us to hear God speaking to us in the ordinary everyday-ness of our lives. God speaks to us through creation, through other people, through the Church, through God's Word, through the many activities in our own lives. A listening heart is attuned to the mystery of life and to the possibility of what can be!

RITUAL
Place on the prayer table hearts cut out of paper. Invite each person to choose a heart and write on it ways he or she can show a listening heart—for example, listening with compassion, empathy, humility, gentleness.

JOURNALING
Recall some moments when you were a true listener—when you knew you were clearly tuned in to the presence of God acting in your life. Write briefly about this experience and be thankful for the gift of a listening heart.

Teachers use the word listen many times a day. As a teacher, are you mindful of what you are calling each child to do? Is what they listen to life-giving? Are the words you utter words of life and love and hope and compassion? Ponder these few points and journal your reflections, jotting down some ways in which you might become more sensitive to the role of listening in your ministry.I am a true listener when I . . .

Suggested Scripture readings for further reflection:
Psalm 34
Isaiah 55:1–12

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