April 17
Active Listening
"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak."
— James 1:19
Lord,
When someone speaks to me, I am often already preparing my response, thinking about my similar experience, waiting for my turn to speak. I'm not really listening.
Teach me active listening. That total presence to the other, that full attention that truly seeks to understand rather than to respond. Listening that makes others feel heard, understood, validated.
May I offer this precious gift: my genuine listening. Without judgment, without unsolicited advice, without bringing everything back to myself. Simply being there, present, listening to what is said and what is not said.
Amen.
When someone speaks to me, I am often already preparing my response, thinking about my similar experience, waiting for my turn to speak. I'm not really listening.
Teach me active listening. That total presence to the other, that full attention that truly seeks to understand rather than to respond. Listening that makes others feel heard, understood, validated.
May I offer this precious gift: my genuine listening. Without judgment, without unsolicited advice, without bringing everything back to myself. Simply being there, present, listening to what is said and what is not said.
Amen.
Reflection
Today, in a conversation, practice total listening. No phone, no distraction, just your complete presence to the other person.
For all those who feel unheard and for those learning to truly listen.
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