Exodus 2:23–25; 3:1–15; 4:10–17
The story of Moses begins with a God who listens. The Israelites groaned under the weight of their suffering, and the text says, “God heard their cry … God knew their pain.” Before the burning bush, before the call to lead, there is this truth: God is the One who hears.
This is good news. Our prayers, our sighs, even our wordless groans are gathered up by a God who listens with compassion. But it’s also a calling. If we are to follow this God, then we are invited to become people who listen, attentive not only to our own needs, but also to the cries of others and the world around us.
This week’s practice is a way of leaning into that rhythm of listening.
- Begin with Silence. Find a quiet place. Sit comfortably. Take a few deep breaths and ask: “God, help me hear what you hear.”
- Listen Within. Pay attention to your own soul. What aches, worries, or longings are you carrying? Offer them silently to God.
- Listen Beyond. Ask God to bring to mind someone else’s cry. It may be a person you know, a story in the news, or even a place in the world that suffers. Hold them in prayer.
- Close with Trust. End by praying: “God of compassion, thank you for hearing. Help me to be attentive and responsive to the cries around me.”
Why This Matters
When we practice listening prayer, we join in God’s work of compassion. We don’t need to have all the answers or solve every problem. Instead, we become people who notice, who carry the cries of others before God, and who stay open to being part of God’s response.
