Important Things You Need to Do to Listen to Jesus
Listening is defined as the way the brain actively processes what the ear hears.
But I’ll admit, that when I was teaching a class of kindergartners or talking to my children, anytime I said, “would you please LISTEN to me!” I was looking for more than simply filtering sounds into words.
I wanted them to do what I said! I wanted them to act on what they had heard!
Jesus taught through parables. He used simple stories to share spiritual truths that caused people to think.
And because He wanted people to take those thoughts and apply them, He often added the words…
He [Jesus] said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”
Mark 4:9
Don’t just hear an entertaining story . . . believe and apply these lessons to your lives. Use them to influence your actions and your attitudes.
He [Jesus] added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more.”
Mark 4:24
So, what can you and I do to receive greater understanding of the truths of Jesus from God’s Word?
- SEEK – Spend time reading and studying the Bible.
- PRAY – Ask Him to help you understand and trust His TRUTH.
- SURRENDER – Trust His will and ask for the Holy Spirit’s help to LISTEN!
- OBEY – Accept that true listening includes following God’s will with your actions and your attitudes.
- REPEAT – Commit to applying steps #1-#4 with God’s help every day.
A Prayer to Listen to Jesus
Years ago, my teachers had our class memorize the following prayer from the Book of Common Prayer. Will you pray it with me?
Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Lord, I also pray that You will make me a SEEKer of Your truth and give me everything I need to surrender my life to You each day. Please strengthen me to trust and obey Your will as You reveal it to me. Give me a wise and understanding heart, a love for Your Word, and the desire to spend time with You in prayer. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
I want to listen to Jesus! I want more and more understanding of His will, His truth, and His promises.
Why? Because when I know, understand, and obey His will and truth . . . I have the joy, peace, hope, and strength that He promises.
The account of Jesus calming the storm is written at the end of Mark 4.
We get storms, don’t we? Both literally and figuratively . . . life is stormy. But Jesus has power over the wind and waves and over any storm that overwhelms you and me.
So, listen to Jesus today. Hear Him calm the storm around you. Feel Him calm you. Seek. Pray. Surrender. And Obey. Trust His promises. Remember . . . even the wind and waves obey Him.
On today’s note write:
Listen to Jesus! SEEK. Pray. Surrender. Obey. Repeat.
God bless you and give you everything you need today to LISTEN.
May we all surrender to God every day and listen with open ears and hearts to what He is saying to us.
Blessings, Deb!
Amen, Martha! I pray each day to get His truth from my head to my heart. Blessings and hugs!
Yes, yes, yes!!! In this time of so many voices trying to get our attention we need only listen for and hear the voice of Jesus.
Blessings to you and yours!
Marie
Thank you, Marie! There are so many things trying to distract us. I believe it is one of the enemy’s favorite tactics. Intentionally listening to the Lord can change everything! Living within His will is a blessing of its own. God bless you!
Listening is so key to really see what God has for us and determine how He wants us to continue to do His work.
Amen, Brittany! Now to just slow down long enough to listen and know His will before I get busy again! Blessings!!