Listening Prayer

The twirling blades of wind turbines spanned the horizon, and I pulled over to take a picture. Often I wish the turbines weren’t there, as if they’re cluttering the landscape. But that morning they seemed to be celebrating, lifting their arms in praise for the goodness of God. I paused, taking in the wonder, and asked, “Lord, what do You want me to know?” Then I listened as I drove down the road.

What does He want you to know? Let God speak to you through the picture and the following scriptures. Give Him even 5 minutes and see what you hear, see, or sense. It will be enough to make a difference in your day.

Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord
who minister by night in the house of the Lord.

Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
and praise the Lord.

May the Lord bless you from Zion,
he who is the Maker of heaven and earth.
—Psalm 134 (NIV)

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a colt of a donkey,
the people shouted, “Hosanna!
… Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him,
“Teacher, rebuke your disciples.”
Jesus answered, “I tell you, if these were silent,
the very stones would cry out.”
–Luke 19:39-40 (ESV)

‘Twas a week before Christmas
And all through the house,
Thoughts of perfect gift giving
Occupied man and his mouse.

But no Google search-words
Seemed able to find
The gift that would truly
Bring peace of mind.

While computers are helpful,
They cannot deliver
What will only be found
Through the Heavenly Giver.

The Invitation: Santa visited with a couple of our grandchildren this week, and one of them asked if he knew Jesus. “Oh yes,” he replied. “You know, Jesus is the reason for the season.”

“Do you know if my Elf-on-the-Shelf, Couragette, knows Jesus?” she asked.

“I imagine she does.” he said. “I talk to my elves about Jesus all the time.”

Santa went on to ask the children if they knew how he could live to be 360 years old (since the beginning of the Santa Claus tradition) . They shook their heads no. “Well,” said Santa, “the more you give, the longer you live.”

Santa has had a lot of years to give! He models the art of giving well. But as he told my grandchildren, he can only give what the elves are able to make in the workshop. So no puppies from him. And no peace of mind from him either.

For this is how much God loved the world
—he gave his one and only, unique Son as a gift.
So now everyone who believes in him will never perish
but experience everlasting life.
—John 3:16 (TPT)

What if we considered ourselves a type of elf this week—going to the homes of those in need, not with Santa, but with Jesus in prayer? Let’s picture ourselves standing outside the homes of those on our hearts — like a Christmas caroler — announcing the good news of Jesus, the ultimate gift-giver. He is right there with us, and we can tell Him what’s on our
heart for each person.

Perhaps we pray the words of the angels in Luke 2 or whisper the desires of our heart to Jesus. He sees beneath the surface to the deep needs. Ask Him to remove anything blocking those living in the homes from knowing Him or receiving what He has for them. Maybe you sing Silent Night over a group of people and watch Jesus bless each one. Let the Holy Spirit lead you.

Then all at once, a vast number of glorious angels appeared,
the very armies of heaven! And they all praised God, singing:
 “Glory to God in the highest realms of heaven!
    For there is peace and a good hope given to the sons of men.”
—Luke 2:13-14 (TPT)

Your Response: Heavenly Gift and Gift-Giver, I want to partner with You to bring peace and hope to people this season. First-of-all, give me peace in the midst of either too much solitude or not enough and too much busyness or the longing for more activity.

Holy Spirit, show me how to walk with Jesus in prayer. Give me one person, family, or situation to pray for. Who do You want to visit in prayer?

(Let the Holy Spirit lead you in how to pray and talk with Jesus. If you just have a few minutes, choose to pray for the first person who came to mind. Tomorrow ask Jesus for another. Remember to listen for insight from Jesus. His thoughts can encourage our hearts.)

Glory to God in the highest realms of heaven! And on earth! For with You there is peace and hope for all who believe.

For more on giving heavenly gifts, see:
• Gift Giving Part 1
• Gift Giving Part 2
• Gift Giving Part 3