You ever been in one of those conversations where you realize you’ve been doing all the talking? Or maybe you’re on the other end, and you’re trying to get a word in edgewise, but the other person is just on a roll! It happens to the best of us, right? We’ve all been there. Sometimes we’re so full of what we want to say, what’s on our heart, that we forget the other half of a great conversation: listening.
And you know what? Sometimes, I think our prayer lives can feel a little like that. We come to God with our lists, our needs, our praises – which is all good stuff, by the way! But if we’re not careful, it can become a bit of a monologue. But here’s the amazing truth: prayer is a conversation. It’s got two parts: talking and listening.
Today, I want us to dial in on that listening part, especially how we can hear God speak to us through His Word. Because here’s something incredible: God’s Word is alive! Hebrews 4:12 tells us it’s "living and active." This isn’t just an ancient book of stories and rules; it’s dynamic. It’s breathing. Each time you open it, each time you read it, God is actively speaking, revealing something fresh, something relevant for you, right now.
So, how do we tune in? How do we make sure we’re catching what He’s saying? We have to create space to listen. We have to be intentional.
I want us to try something together today with Psalm 143. This is a powerful psalm of David, a heartfelt cry to God. In a moment, I’m going to read the whole thing. And as I read, I want you to do more than just let the words wash over you. I want you to actively listen. Ask the Holy Spirit, "God, what are you saying to me through this Psalm today?"
Be ready for a word, a phrase, a verse—maybe even just a feeling—to just… pop. You know? Like it’s highlighted just for you.
Psalm 143: Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you. The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead. So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land. Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. For your name’s sake, Lord, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.
Did anything stand out? A particular verse? A phrase? I want you to grab onto that. If you have a pen and paper, or your phone, write it down. Highlight it. Write in the margins.
Then focus on what stood out. Look at those words you wrote down. Read them again. And again. Look at each word. Ask yourself: Why this verse? Why now? What is God trying to emphasize to me through this specific part of His Word?
Don't rush this. This is where God, by His Spirit, begins to unpack His heart for you. Remember, God sent His Son, Jesus, to this world so that we could hear from Him, so we could have this kind of relationship. He wants to speak to you.
So as we head into our individual prayer time, take a verse, 1. Pray it back to God. 2. Create space to listen. 3. As you pray for others, pray they would experience the living Word of God, they would have ears to hear, they would spread out their hands to Him and trust His unfailing love. Let’s pray the living Word of God!