Yesterday I was with Gavin and Matt and I asked them a question. Before they responded to my initial question I asked them another one, and then another one.

After the third question I just stopped speaking because I recognized that I was talking at them, not with them. I asked them questions but didn’t give space for them to reply and listen to what they had to say.

I share this with you today because my prayer life can be a lot like this moment I had with my kids. Often I will talk to God but I don’t always give room to listen to God.

Can you relate in any of your relationships?

If so, I invite you to join me to…

pause. breathe. pray.

In our relationships, including ours with God, may we remember a productive conversation requires us to talk and listen to one another. May we be quick to listen and slow to speak, so we can deepen our relationships by giving room to hear what others have to say, especially God.

With love and hope,

Shawn

“Be quick to listen and slow to speak…” - James 1:19