Wednesday October 11, 2023

Today is Wednesday, October 11 and we are exploring what the Bible says about listening.

As I enter a time of prayer, I pause and become still. I breathe slowly and deeply, and focus myself on the presence of God’s Holy Spirit.

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving God, I am here to listen for your voice speaking in my life. Reveal the message you have for me today through the power of your Holy Spirit. Teach me what it means to listen to my brothers and sisters in the faith in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

I praise God for his goodness and reflect on his wisdom with the prudent words of Proverbs 8.

Now then, my children listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. Proverbs 8:32-34

Pause and Pray

Jesus defines himself as the Good Shepherd who gives life to a lost and broken humanity. He is the gate into God’s fold. Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament promises that God himself will come to shepherd his people. God came in Jesus to be the great Shepherd I trust and obey. The voice of the Shepherd calls me by name. He is the one who gave his life for me. Yet even after hearing the promises of God, I still persist in living outside the flock. I cannot discern the voice of the Shepherd. Or worse, I don’t think I am worthy of that love. The Shepherd loves the sheep who don’t want to have anything to do with him. He loves the sheep who wander away. The Shepherd goes searching to bring them back and reminds them where they belong and to whom they belong. The Shepherd is whispering his love for me. His voice guides me, protects me and reminds me I am his beloved. All I have to do is tune the ears of my soul and listen.

The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me — just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10:3-5,14-15

I imagine Jesus, the Good Shepherd. He calls my name. He leads me. He goes ahead of me, and I follow him. I recognize his voice and I stay in step with him. There are other voices in my life, voices of selfishness, voices of the world, voices on social media, voices of the stranger, voices of the enemy. I sometimes get distracted by the many voices that speak into my life. If I am not careful, I can even mistakenly confuse his voice with the others. I am cautious to listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd above all voices. I know Jesus loves me and laid down his life for me. I can trust him. I listen for his voice and his alone. Jesus is the one I follow. The only one.

Ask: Do I recognize the voice of Jesus over other voices in my life? What helps me clearly discern what Jesus is saying and test it against other worldly voices?

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord Jesus, lead me and guide me. Call me by name and direct me on the path of righteousness. I long to follow closely behind you and I listen for your voice. Guide me to safety and security. Show me the path you have for me. I am thankful that you love me and know what is best for me. I trust you to lead me the way I should go. I read John again, listening for the message you have for me today.

The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me — just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10:3-5,14-15

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

I consider where I find myself in this scripture. What does the gate represent for me and what does the Lord want to lead me away from? I listen to the voice of the Shepherd. I recognize his voice speaking to my heart. As Jesus goes ahead of me, he goes to prepare whatever is next for me in my life. I can trust to follow Jesus in this next season because he is already there, making sure everything is exactly as it should be. I know the Good Shepherd and he knows me. I can lie down in safety and rest securely. I give him all the anxieties, worries and fears I have, because I know I can trust him completely. He has things well in hand. I listen to his voice and follow him faithfully.

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, Shepherd of my soul, I invite you into my life. I listen for your voice, speak to me and lead me the way I should go. Forgive me for the times I do not trust in you, when I run ahead of you or fail to keep pace with you. Enable me to recognize your voice and follow you and no other. Amen.

All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. John 10:8-10

As I leave this time of prayer and go throughout my day, I listen for the voice of the Shepherd and endeavor to encourage others to have ears to hear his call.

Amen