Opening just a little
To reveal a precious thing
Even to beloveds
Might crush a wounded wing
If reins are rudely taken
Converse torn away
By overeager listeners
Intent their words to say
With surgical precision
They wield an upper hand
While tumbling o’er each other
In exuberance so grand
Diverting in a tangent
Though parallel in kind
They flood the other’s dry wash
Leave all else behind
What’s left amongst the rubble
As the flood recedes
Have they heard the wounded
Listened to their needs
Left them in their gasping
Drowned there with them too
Will their eyes look upwards
LORD to gaze on You
Make me a patient listener
Though I too want to share
Hear gently with forbearing
Keep wide a heart of care
Assist in lifting others
Bring solace in some way
Hear and then enliven
Shine courage on their day
LORD, cause me please to listen
With time to lend ear well
To hear another’s heartbeat
What they’re trying to tell
To see beyond words spoken
Into the soul beneath
To listen with Your heart, LORD
Then with Your love speak
~~~
LORD, forgive me please when I too quickly respond or react to another’s words without letting the patience of wisdom guide me. Take my eyes off myself so that I may hear the heart of another. Give me courage to wait through the silence, allowing conversation to slowly unfold. Help me listen and love well, the way You listen to and love me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
James 1:19 NLT
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”
Proverbs 20:12 NLT
“Ears to hear and eyes to see—
both are gifts from the Lord.”
Dew Upon The Arbor 