“Incline your ear and come to me, listen so that you may live”.
Isaiah 55: 3a.
This is our Northwest Ohio synod’s verse of the year and our theme for this year is “listen.”
As people of God, the Bishop is encouraging us to learn the sacred art of listening. Listening to God. Listening to Ourselves. Listening to Others. And Listening to the Community.
God’s invitation to listen is a gift that permeates the Scriptures. From the Shema, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5).
To the Psalms, “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer” (Psalm 61:1).
To the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock” (Matthew 7:24).
To the words the Exalted Jesus repeats to the seven churches in Revelation, “Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches” (Revelation 2-3).
God longs for us to hear, so God invites us to listen. My spiritual director last week commented that the word listen also shares roots with the word obey. We are called to deeply listen as we obey God. Interesting linking of two words isn’t it?
During Lent, I am leaning into listening. So far in 2025 I have felt dry and lost; perhaps it is time to listen. I have a silent retreat planned during Lent – a good time to listen. There will be extra moments of worship times to listen. The spiritual practices dear to my heart – journaling, contemplative prayer, silence, solitude, stillness, spiritual direction – all will tend and open the ears of my heart.
This winter has been long, tough and dry. I am so ready for spring. Spring is my favorite time of year – a season of awakening, new life and green, green, green.
Spring is a transition time, sometimes a volatile changing season, often reflecting the ongoing transformation of our souls. I find hope in spring and like to listen to its lessons.
Listening to Spring is a poem by Macrina Wiederkehr and seemed appropriate one to ponder today:
How quietly the earth breathes forth new life.
How eagerly the sun bleeds forth the spring.
I am listening.
I am listening to seeds breaking open, to roots growing strong beneath the ground, to green shoots rising up from winter wombs.
I am listening to thorns blossoming, to barren branches laughing out new growth, to wildflowers dancing through the meadows.
I am listening to the forest filling up with song.
I am listening to the earth filling up with life.
I am listening to trees filling up with leaves.
I am listening to the sky with its many changing moods, to flashes of lightning, peals of thunder, to opening buds and greening grass.
I am listening to the breaking forth of light in the vestibule of dawn.
I am listening to the freshness of the morning.
I am listening to the rain drops giving hope to thirsty gardens.
I am listening to the orchards pregnant with new life,
I am listening to the flowers bursting forth in rainbow colors.
I am listening to the brook, to the song of happy waters,
I am listening to music rising up from all the earth.
I am listening to spring soaring in on wings of life,
I am listening to the sounds of spring.
I am listening to prayers pouring forth from feathered throats,
I am listening to prayers rising up from misty waters.
I am listening to prayers of a meadow crowned with dawn.
I am listening to the growing in the garden of my heart.
I am listening to my heart singing songs of resurrection.
I am listening to the colors of life.
I am listening to winter handing over spring,
I am listening to the poetry of spring.
I am listening.
What helps you to listen better? I am open to suggestions!
‘ My spiritual director last week commented that the word listen also shares roots with the word obey.’
Wow, Jean. That’s sure an eye opener. A whole lot to ponder in that one sentence.
I hear you about winter. It’s been long and challenging on many levels. I’m grateful for every warmish day where I can bundle up and get outside and walk. Body and soul are missing the great outdoors. Let’s hear it for springtime’s soon arrival …
And His, too.
I know, Linda. When she said that I really paid attention. Took the word listen to a whole new level for me – a deeper meaning.
The poem you included here is absolutely wonderful, Jean! Yes, may we all open our ears to listen to God’s voice calling us to come and worship Him every day and every way. Blessings, my friend!
I read that poem a long time ago and it was such a joy to reread it last week once again. I am glad you liked it too.
Writing helps me listen. There’s something about forming the words on the page (as opposed to typing) that slows down my thinking so I can hear better from God. And as I prayerfully write, discoveries are uncovered, assurances are revealed, challenges are shared, and more. I have a feeling you’ve experienced the same Jean, journaler that you are! I pray that your retreat provides the perfect space for you to replenish your soul and experience refreshment from the Spirit.
Writing helps me too and listening is such a big part of any discernment isn’t it? It helps us find just the right words. I like how you wrote it slows down your thinking – that is so right.