The Lost Art of Listening to the Word
Do you ever find yourself doing all the talking in a conversation? We've all been there, dominating the discussion while the other person just nods along. Unfortunately, many of us approach prayer the same way. We come to God with our lists, our requests, and short attention spans, but rarely do we pause to listen. What if prayer was meant to be a genuine conversation rather than a one-sided monologue?
When Prayer Becomes a One-Way Street
How quickly we forget that prayer is a two-way conversation, not a one-sided negotiation; we don't have the upper hand.
Jesus himself emphasized the importance of listening when he said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27). At the transfiguration, God's voice declared from the cloud, "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!" (Mark 9:7). The common thread? Listening.
But how do we listen to God? One powerful way is through His Word. As Tim Keller explains in his book on prayer:
"When we respond in trust to the Word of God, then prayer becomes a conversation with God... if prayer is to be a true conversation with God, it must be regularly preceded by listening to God's voice through meditation on the Scripture."
The Bible isn't merely a collection of ancient texts—it's "alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it Judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). When the Bible speaks to us, that is God speaking to us.
Information vs. Inspiration
In our technical, consumer-driven age, we often approach the Bible seeking information rather than inspiration. We read to acquire knowledge, to get "right answers," or to confirm what we already believe. But Scripture was meant to be in our hearts, not just our heads.
As Deuteronomy reminds us, "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts" (Deuteronomy 6:6) and "The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it" (Deuteronomy 30:14).
When God's Word Transforms
The Old Testament gives us powerful examples of what happens when people truly listen to Scripture. When King Josiah heard the Book of the Law read, "he tore his robes" (2 Kings 22:11) in anguish, recognizing how far the people had strayed from God's expectations. This led to a national renewal of their covenant with God.
Similarly, when Ezra read the Law to the returned exiles, "all the people listened attentively" (Nehemiah 8:3). Their response? "They bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground" (Nehemiah 8:6), followed by celebration, prayer, and repentance.
The writer of Psalm 119 expresses this transformative relationship with God's Word beautifully:
"I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word."
"Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long."
"Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path."
"I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure."
(Psalm 119:28, 97, 105, 162 NLT)
Praying the Scriptures: An Ancient Practice
This brings us to a powerful prayer practice called Lectio Divina or "Divine Reading"—a way of praying the Scriptures that Christians have used for over 1,500 years. Unlike Bible study, which often involves analyzing longer passages for their meaning, praying the Scriptures involves listening to a short passage multiple times, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak personally through it.
We're not reading the Scriptures so much as the Scriptures are reading us. God speaks and we listen.
Ready to try Praying the Scriptures? Here's how to begin:
Find a quiet, uninterrupted space where you can read aloud
Select a short passage (no more than a few verses)
Read the passage multiple times, pausing for reflection between readings
Resist the urge to "figure it out"—simply listen for what the Holy Spirit might be saying to you
Allow God's Word to read you, not just you reading God's Word
This practice isn't meant to replace your regular prayer habits but to enhance them by creating space for God to speak. It might feel challenging at first in our distraction-filled world, but the rewards of truly listening to God are immeasurable.
Remember, prayer at its best isn't about getting God to hear us, it's about learning to hear the voice of God.
Reflection
How would you rate your prayer life on a scale of 1-10, where 1 is mostly talking to God and 10 is mostly listening? What does this reveal about your approach to prayer?
When was the last time you felt God speaking to you through Scripture? What was that experience like?
How might your relationship with God change if you spent more time listening for God’s voice through Scripture?
Application
Try practicing "Praying the Scriptures" (Lectio Divina). Find a quiet, uninterrupted space and select a short passage (3-5 verses). Read it aloud slowly three times, pausing between readings to reflect on what stands out to you. Don't analyze or study the passage; simply listen for what God might be saying to you personally through the Word. Allow God's Word to move from your head to your heart, just as it did for King Josiah and the people gathered with Ezra. Let the Holy Spirit speak, convict, encourage, and inspire you through the living Word.
Prayer
Gracious God, forgive me for the times I've treated prayer as a one-sided conversation. Open my ears to hear your voice speaking through your Word. Like the Psalmist, help me to love your instructions and find delight in your commands. May your Word be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Teach me to listen before I speak, to seek your guidance before making decisions, and to treasure the moments spent in your presence. Make my heart sensitive to your voice so that I might truly know you and follow where you lead. In Jesus' name, Amen
