Cultivating Faithfulness
Faithfulness and Listening
God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer.
- Mother Teresa
If we pause to think of someone who has been a faithful friend, teacher, pastor, colleague, or family member, it is very likely that one of their defining attributes is being a good listener.
Mother Teresa tells us that listening is the beginning of prayer. I believe that listening is also the beginning of faithfulness. Being faithful to God and others is grounded in deep listening, a practice that requires us to set aside our desires and egos to focus fully on God or another person.
When we practice deep listening, our responses will arise from what the other truly needs, rather than from any quick assumptions or judgments we might make about what we think they need.
If the idea of practicing faithfulness seems overwhelming, start with the simple act of becoming a better listener. Practice being still and listening to God with new ears and an open heart.
Practice being present to others, especially with those you have found challenging to listen to in the past. This journey of listening and faithfulness is not just about how deeply we can be present to God and to one another, but can also be a path to personal growth and enlightenment.
Making It Personal: What helps you to be still and to be a good listener? How might you deepen your ability to listen to God? Is there someone in your life with whom you want to practice being a better listener right now?
Listen To Our Lent Podcast Episodes
We also invite you to listen to the Living Compass Spirituality and Wellness Podcast hosted by Scott Stoner. This is a year-round, weekly podcast; however, during Lent, there will be two new episodes each week to enrich your experience of our Lenten readings on Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit.
You can listen to the podcast on our website by clicking HERE. You can also find this podcast in your favorite podcast listening app (Apple, Google, Spotify, etc.)—just search for Living Compass Spirituality and Wellness