HOW CAN I DEEPEN MY RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND LEARN HOW TO LISTEN TO HIS LANGUAGE IN PRAYER?
JOHN 10.22-30
Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. The Jews gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all[ no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”
Why is it that these people didn’t know that Jesus was the Christ?
They wanted Jesus to speak plainly so they could understand and surprise them by telling them that he already answered their question.
This gospel continues the teaching that Jesus is the good shepherd. Interestingly, these people want Jesus to speak clearly about whether or not he is Christ. He answered them, yet they did not believe. They did not believe for the simple fact that they were not listening. They completely missed what he said,
One thing that this story teaches us is that God speaks to us in how own way. His way is not ours and is not always how we want Him to speak to us.
Through the mouthpiece of Jesus, God speaks the mystical, profound, gentle and often hidden language. He only reveals His most profound mystery to those with an ear to what the spirit is saying… Revelation
But for those who do not have an ear- in other words, honest seeking and genuine heart-felt interest, God’s words can be confusing and difficult to understand.
If you find yourself confused in life or about the plan God has for you, then maybe it is time to examine how carefully you listen to God’s words. Of course, we could beg God day and night to ‘speak plainly’ to us, but How will he only speak in the way he has always spoken. So, how does He speak? What is the language??
On the deepest level, it’s the language of love-infused faithful Prayer.
This kind of Prayer, of course, is a lot different than just ‘saying’ prayers.
Infused Prayer
Infused Prayer is different from just ‘saying’ prayers. Infused Prayer is born from a loving relationship with God the Father through Christ. To develop such a relationship, it takes commitment, time and effort on your part. Father is ready to meet you- are you ready to meet Him?
A prayer is an act of God within our soul by which God invites us to love, believe and follow Him.
This invitation is continually offered to us, but far too often, we fail to hear it because we fail to connect with God in Prayer.
Hear with Your Soul
Much of John’s gospel mystically speaks to us. Therefore, it is only possible to fully comprehend what Jesus is saying to us at a glance or a quick read. No, we must diligently propose to learn and understand, which means we must commit to studying the Bible in its context.
Jesus’ teaching must be ‘heard’ in your soul, touching the deepest part of your humanity. This approach will open the ears of your heart to the freedom from doubt to the voice of God.
Reflect
Reflect today upon the mysterious ways in which God speaks to you. That is a good starting point if you need help understanding how He speaks.
Spend time in the gospel, prayerfully pondering it. Meditate upon the words of Jesus, listening for His voice as you read the Gospels.
f reading is a problem for you, you can download audio Bibles cheaply off the internet. Being a dyslexic, I use my audio Bible often and find it a great help to me to learn Jesus’ words. Learn His language through silent Prayer and allow Jesus’s holy word to draw you to Himself.
Let’s Pray
My Lord and God, you speak to me day and night and continually reveal your love. Help me learn to listen to you so I may grow deep in faith and genuinely become your follower in every way.
Jesus, I trust in you- Amen.
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Remember to live life on purpose, in Hope. Faith and Love
Paula Rose Parish💕
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