Good Listeners

When I visited my dad recently, he had a couple of church member friends and a former neighbor visit him while I was there. These folks were talkers! What became clear to me was: my dad is a great listener, and others enjoy spending time with him as a result. What I’ve also realized is: when talking with him on the phone, it’s harder to appreciate his good listening skills! Sometimes his lack of what I expect as a response is frustrating.

I was thinking how this is for us, when we turn to God in prayer. We may know in our hearts that God is a “good listener” but don’t always get the response we’d like. 

Scripture tells us:

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. John 5:14-15 ESV

Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear. Isaiah 65:24 ESV

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6 ESV

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 ESV

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to turn to you in prayer, knowing that your “answer” may not be exactly what we’d like, but allow us to focus on the connection and our relationship with you.

Donna Gustafson

October: Clergy Appreciation Month

  

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.  Psalm 19:14

This scripture is the verse of the day on BibleGateway.com, which I often use to look up Bible verses. The first part is familiar to us as it's similar to the words spoken by our pastors in the prayer before the sermon in worship services.

October is Pastor Appreciation Month and we're asked to take action to let our pastors know how important they are to us. It doesn't have to be much-just telling them we appreciate them can be enough. Any of us who are employed probably wish we were thanked more often for our work. We have the chance to let our pastors know we're grateful for them.

I found a poem by Judy Crowe for pastor appreciation month, and the first and last verses state (with a little editing):

Have you ever walked in our pastors' shoes,

And gone where their feet have trod?

Have you ever thought of what they mean to us,

And on your knees, given thanks to God?

Eastridge is blessed with two pastors who have different gifts to share with us. Let us remember throughout the year to give thanks to God for their service with us.  

(And even though there is no staff appreciation month, let us remember and give thanks for the staff members who support the pastors.)

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for sending Melodie and Thomas to serve our church at this place and time. Help us to remember each day that they are here to guide us on our journey. And help us to let them know we are thankful for them. Amen.

Robin Hadfield (reprinted from 2018)