Week 2 | Connection: In the Gaze of God, Matthew 3

The contemplative rhythm of Jesus leads us to embrace a posture of listening. Ultimately, listening is more about our perception and awareness than about audibly hearing something. It’s about seeing what God sees. When we come to the quiet place with God – that inner room of the heart – we surrender to the voice of God that names us, we sit in our belovedness, and then we see what God sees as we trust His provision.

We wait.

Listening prayer is attentively waiting before God to receive whatever He gives, keeping your heart open to whatever God says. If He seems quiet, you might receive that as His desire to simply to be with you – not needing to share anything except His loving presence. 

It can be helpful to remember that listening prayer is about relationship, not performance, outcomes, or controlling the agenda. If you notice any of those things, simply let them go. Things “happen” during and because of listening prayer but it is often not obvious. Much of how we experience God is deeper than even our awareness.

Practice: set a timer for 5, 10, 15, or 20 minutes. Enter the time by simply praying a Scripture such as:

“Speak for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Sit quietly and keep your heart open. At the end of the set time, review what you noticed. You can’t do this wrong, so simply notice with gratitude.

As you close, give thanks.