Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living from The Global Church of the Nazarene of Lenexa, Kansas, United States for Thursday, 16 April 2015 - "Active Listening" Scripture: 1 Kings 8:22-30

Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living from The Global Church of the Nazarene of Lenexa, Kansas, United States for Thursday, 16 April 2015 - "Active Listening" Scripture: 1 Kings 8:22 Then Shlomo stood before the altar of Adonai in the presence of the whole community of Isra’el, spread out his hands toward heaven, 23 and said, “Adonai, God of Isra’el, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below. You keep covenant with your servants and show them grace, provided they live in your presence with all their heart. 24 You have kept your promise to your servant David, my father; you spoke with your mouth and fulfilled it with your hand; so it is today. 25 Now therefore, Adonai, God of Isra’el, keep what you promised to your servant David, my father, when you said, ‘You will never lack a man in my presence to sit on the throne of Isra’el, if only your children are careful about what they do, so that they live in my presence, just as you have lived in my presence.’ 26 Now therefore, God of Isra’el, please let your word, which you spoke to your servant David, my father, be confirmed.

27 “But can God actually live on the earth? Why, heaven itself, even the heaven of heavens, cannot contain you; so how much less this house I have built? 28 Even so, Adonai my God, pay attention to your servant’s prayer and plea, listen to the cry and prayer that your servant is praying before you today, 29 that your eyes will be open toward this house night and day — toward the place concerning which you said, ‘My name will be there’ — to listen to the prayer your servant will pray toward this place. 30 Yes, listen to the plea of your servant, and also that of your people Isra’el when they pray toward this place. Hear in heaven where you live; and when you hear, forgive!

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"Active Listening" by Author: Larry R. Morris
I was privileged to grow up in a parsonage with very devout and loving parents. I say a parsonage but in reality it was seven parsonages. What made each parsonage a home was of course the presence of our family, but also there was the presence of a few choice items that went with us from house to house. One of the items was a small wood plaque with the picture of an owl and the words, “There was an old owl who sat in an oak the more he saw the less he spoke. The less he spoke, the more he heard. Why can’t we be like that wise old bird?” I don’t know which of my parents bought it and they never clearly told us why. All I know is that it was always present, reminding us of the value of active listening.
Scripture reveals that we have a God who actively listens to us and responds to our prayers. He is not passive or uninterested in our needs. To the contrary He actively watches over us, knowing what we need even before we ask.
Hymn for Today: "Listen, listen, God is calling" by Author: Tanzanian Traditional

Refrain:

Listen, listen, God is calling 

through the Word inviting,

offering forgiveness,

comfort and joy.

(repeat)

1. Jesus gave his mandate;

share the good news

that he came to save us

and set us free.

Refrain:

Listen, listen, God is calling 

through the Word inviting,

offering forgiveness,

comfort and joy.

(repeat)

2. Let none be forgotten

throughout the world.

In the triune name of God

go and baptize.

Refrain:

Listen, listen, God is calling 

through the Word inviting,

offering forgiveness,

comfort and joy.

(repeat)

3. Help us to be faithful,

standing steadfast,

walking in your precepts,

led by your Word.

Refrain:

Listen, listen, God is calling 

through the Word inviting,

offering forgiveness,

comfort and joy.

(repeat)

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