LOVE Lent 40
Scripture
I love the Lord, because he has heard
my voice and my supplications.
Because he inclined his ear to me,
therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
The snares of death encompassed me;
the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me;
I suffered distress and anguish.
Then I called on the name of the Lord:
‘O Lord, I pray, save my life!’Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
our God is merciful.
The Lord protects the simple;
when I was brought low, he saved me.
Return, O my soul, to your rest,
for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.For you have delivered my soul from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling.Psalm 116.1-8
Reflection
(With thanks to Bob MacDonald for the suggestion of this verse - Bob's excellent reflections and examinations of the Psalms can be found here: Dust )
Love Listens - the Psalmist felt heard by God, and praised God for recovery from illness. The Psalmist feels the love and care of God because they have been heard.
When we listen, it is more often to answer, to defend our opinion, or to win an argument. Love listens to understand, love listens to engage, love listens to learn. Listening love is an empathetic, sympathetic, compassionate, caring listening. Being active in our listening to one another is a gift, an act of love. It shows a desire to pay attention and support someone.
Love listens. As we learn to listen to one another, and as we learn to listen to God, we can grow in love. And we can learn to be better love listeners!
Prayer
Listening to God in love
Thank you that you love me.
Teach my heart to trust your love.
Free my heart to respond to your love
with love.
And as I learn to rest in the intimacy
of your love for me
and my growing love for you,
may I learn to listen to your voice.
May I hear whatever you have
to say to me today.
Give me the grace to make space for you to speak.
Give me the grace to receive your words,
your guidance, your wisdom, your correction, your blessing.
May I listen well to your voice today.