Lord,
teach me to listen.
The times are noisy and my ears are weary with the thousand raucous sounds which continuously assault them.
Give me the spirit of the boy Samuel when he said to Thee, “Speak, for Thy servant heareth.”
Let me hear Thee speaking in my heart. Let me get used to the sound of Thy voice,
that its tones may be familiar when the sounds of earth die away and the only sound will be the music of Thy speaking.
Amen.
-A. W. Tozer
Of all the pieces of prayer, listening might be the hardest for me. I often ask God to speak, but my mind is impatient. God be quick. Be clear. I listen to his voice on my time and with my expectations. I want to learn to really listen, though. I want to quiet the "raucous sounds" and strengthen my ears. God, teach me to listen. Just as Tozer asked you, let me hear you. Let me grow so used to the sound of your voice that I don't question what it is. I want to listen and obey, Father. Please teach me.
These mornings of prayer have been interesting. I head into time with God hoping to take something inspired away. I have this idea that maybe this morning God will be clear as day and show me to hear him speak. He'll be forward and affirming, answering that big question of "What should I do with this life you've given me?" I'll leave the time with him feeling empowered, trusting him completely because I know without a doubt that he spoke to me.
Expectancy is a great thing. We should spend time with God anticipating his closeness and his voice. At the same time, I think it turns him into a magician or entertainer of some sort if I anxiously await his "signs and wonders". I was reading in Hebrews today, preparing for our dorm-wide Bible Study. In chapter 2, the author warns us against missing out on this grand rescue. He elaborates and states that if we're waiting on some large, miraculous sign, we may be placing our own expectations on how God reveals himself. I don't want to miss out on what God's doing. I don't want to set unreasonable standards for hearing God's voice when he's speaking through his Word and his people. So, again, Father. Teach me, train me, to listen. Let me discover what it means to be attentive to and familiar with your voice.
God, I want to grow in prayer, so therefore, I want to become a better listener. I want to make room for solitude and silence, so that the noise and distraction that fills my life can be quieted. Draw me to yourself and to your voice. Let me grow familiar to your tones, Father. And may I love the sound of your voice, in my heart and in my mind.
Amen.