December 15, 2015 SHARE: Praying time: less than three minutes. God speaks. He always speaks through His Word. He often speaks through the wisdom He has given those around us. Today we pray for a healthy attitude towards what we might learn from others. Dear Father in heaven, it’s the great joy of this holy and blessed season to remember that the Word promised by the prophets of old became flesh to dwell among us. How glad I am that You have spoken to us now in Your Son! You created me to know You, but I could never have known You unless you had spoken to me. It is a constant source of wonder to me that I can understand the mysteries of the kingdom by the faith You have given me. Instill in me, Lord, an unending curiosity to know You more, an eagerness and a desire to turn to the scriptures and to hear You speak the words of life I desire so greatly.I love those times when You open Your Word to me so clearly and plainly that it is as if we are having a quiet, intimate conversation, just Father and child. Thank you, Father. I was made to know You, and now by faith, I do know You and I love You. I confess, Lord, that I have not always been open to hearing a word of wisdom from the wise people You have sent into my life. Too often I am quick to speak my own opinions and slow to listen to the thoughts of others. This is especially true of the one I have married. My beloved speaks and I try to finish the sentence. I listen ahead instead of listening carefully. It has hurt our relationship. I have failed to be curious and have made a mess of this wonderful gift You have given me, the gift of intimacy with those I love. Remind me of my Lord’s example, that He who knows everything would still take time to inquire of others and was eager to hear their stories. Remind me of the Apostle who visited Athens and was such a blessing to others because he first took time to listen. The fruit of Your Spirit is kindness. Instill in me that tenderness toward others that respects their opinions and seeks from them insight and wisdom that You have given. Help me avoid my tendency to know it all and instead give me grace to know that I will learn something if I am willing to hear. I thank You, Lord, for the wonders I have learned in books, and for the people in my life who have been fountains of learning. Help me to learn to share more clearly and openly my own thoughts, hopes, fears, hurts and dreams. And help me to listen when others are so trusting toward me that they are willing to speak. Open my ears. Lord. Amen. God bless your time with families, friends and everyone the Lord sends you. I pray you’ll be surprised by the things you learn! Thanks for praying. DZ Do you serve in a multiple staff setting in a church, Lutheran school, university or social service ministry? Discover how a Ministry Team Wellness Workshop can help enhance your team ministry by building the unity, spiritual life and communication essential to partnership in ministry. Contact Program Director Darrell Zimmerman for more information.