A more intimate group than typical (read – less folks literally around the table) gathered & prayed. And while I was not one of those gathered round the table (yes, even Pastors need to miss a Sunday here and there — it’s honestly pretty important for the health of the pastor & the congregation!) I was blessed to have Gina & Gene be able to co-facilitate our Adult Study.
It began with the check-in. Now, the homework to write a Lenten prayer was not easy. It’s not easy because it invites us to listen to God, in order to hear who/what God is prompting us to be/do and humbly seeking the strength, courage, capacity, and will to obey. And that is vulnerable; vulnerable before God in a way that often makes us squirmish. While no prayers per say were shared aloud, it had been contemplated over the week — perhaps allowing that question, “What is my Lenten prayer, what is God speaking?,” to breathe and to shift how we listen to God in our daily (prayer)life. And it feels like, while a specific “prayer” was not shared, the conversation of the check-in uncovers the unsaid Lenten prayers. Prayers to leave fear & worry nailed to the cross. Prayers to walk in the freedom that Christ has promised us. Prayers to allow the sacrifice of love (Good Friday) to continue to shape who we are. Prayers that God would show us the way. Powerful prayers all of them, ones that will help us to walk what often is the lonesome valley of our lives.
Then was the turn to scripture. We considered one which dare I say if we are honest, challenges each of us?
19 Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; 20 for the [resentful, deep-seated] anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God [that standard of behavior which He requires from us]. Amplified Bible (AMP)
After some silence, some stillness sitting with scripture and trying to discern where the Holy Spirit might be leading, there seems to have been a fruitful conversation. People thought of the issue of control, when we are angry who is in control? Arguably not us. Possible elements and components of listening were mentioned, including tolerance, understanding, and even the gift of asking clarifying questions. It seems as though the listening part is hardest for us. But seriously, is that surprising? Who likes to be told what to do or what to believe? And isn’t that how we speak, trying to control someone or something? It makes sense not wanting to listen, because if they’re anything like us — well, they will have opinions and thoughts — and who has time for that? Especially when I’m right?! Or is it just me? To be fair, we essentially do that with God…it might be part of why we often are uncomfortable in prayer, or in silence — if we are silent too long, and if we pray too much — what if God really speaks and we hear it? What then?
The thing is God has & is speaking. And God at times is (annoyingly clear). Listen, be quick to listen. Be slow to speak. Be slow to anger. And don’t mistake your own anger as though it was the righteous anger of God, because it is not.
So while, we could stay and talk awhile about this I will take the liberty now to remind us of the homework we have for this week. If there is a Lenten Prayer on your heart continue praying it. If there are Lenten practices God has invited you to do — do them. And, put energy into being “quick to listen and slow to speak.” Really think about listening, and observe what happens as you make the decision to openly listen to what the person is saying — whether they are a stranger or someone you’ve known forever, family or an enemy — listen to what they are saying, be quick to listen. (Notice this might mean you are listening across difference!)
Blessed listening ~
Rev. Sabrina Slater