CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 749

“Intently Listening”

Psalm 17:6 (ESV)  I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words.

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There used to be a television commercial for an investment firm that depicted a noisy restaurant lunchtime environment that would suddenly go quiet when the firm’s name was mentioned at one particular table’s conversation.  Everyone else in the restaurant was seen leaning in toward that table, intently listening for what investment advice was about to be divulged.  People intently listen to what is important to them.

To ‘incline your ear’ means to lean in and actively and purposefully listen to what is being said.  It conveys to the speaker that they and what they have to say is very important to you.

What do you actively listen to?  What is important to you such that you will ‘incline your ear’ to it?  When your children or grandchildren want to tell you about their experiences do you incline your ear to them or to the television program you were watching?  When your spouse shares their heart and the burdens of their day with you do you incline your ear to them or do you tune them out concentrating instead on something of greater importance to you?

When the Holy Spirit whispers to your heart, do you ‘incline your ear’ to hear what God is saying to you or does the noise of the ‘more important’ things of this world drown Him out?

Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth! – Psalm 78:1

Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. – Psalm 119:36

You are important to God and He intently listens to you.

I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy.  Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. – Psalm 116:1

Reflect on the truth of God’s Word to you for a moment.  Our almighty, omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, and holy God considers you of such importance that He will incline His ear to your voice.

O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear… – Psalm 10:17

In fact, His love for you is so great that He gave His only Son to bear the punishment for your sins so that you may have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.  It stands to reason then that such love as God has for you would continue to manifest itself in His intently hearing your prayers.  Do you take the time to speak with God in prayer?

Take stock of what is important to you.  Does it have eternal staying power or will it all burn?  May you purpose to incline your ear to God’s Word.  May you convey your love and care to your spouse and loved ones by intently listening to them.  May you know the reality of intimate fellowship with God as He inclines His ear to your worship and prayer.

Close in prayer, thanksgiving & dedication of your work to the glory of God