A Prayer About Listening To Others

When I need to focus my attention and open my ears

SAVIOR,

I get frustrated with those individuals who don’t listen to me in a conversation, even when I think I have their full attention. They may become distracted and even look away while I’m talking. Or they may interrupt my story with one of their own or go off on a tangent to what we are discussing. Sometimes they seem to be listening, but in their response, I quickly discover that they haven’t heard a word I have said. But you’ve shown me that I am often like that in my personal interactions. I don’t actually listen but am thinking of myself and my needs. I don’t want to be that kind of person. Listening is the language of love; it demonstrates concern for others. Help me to be a good listener, Lord. Please keep reminding me when I fall short. Focus my attention on the other person and what he or she is saying. And keep me from pretending to listen while formulating my response. I want to be known as someone who really cares, someone like you.

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19