Day 18

Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak.

James 1:19

The German theologian and martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer once wrote, "Many people are looking for an ear that will listen. They do not find it among Christians, because these Christians are talking when they should be listening."

Listening lies at the heart of life with God. But in order to listen to God, we need to learn how to listen to the person next to us. After all, how can we listen to God, whom we cannot see, if we cannot listen to the person we can see?

Lent can be a time when we embark on a spiritual adventure in learning to listen. We can begin this exercise with those closest to us—our colleagues at work, family members, or friends.

Listening will become a spiritual practice, an everyday habit, a way of life.

Daily Practice

Ask God today for the gift of ears. Throughout the day, remember James's invitation to be quick to listen and slow to speak.

Make a conscious effort in every conversation to listen more than you usually do.