Mark 4:24 – First Time Listener

Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given —and you will receive even more. Mark‬ ‭4‬:‭24‬ NLT

Image courtesy All Talk Radio

If you’ve spent any time listening to talk radio (whether intentionally or under duress), you’ve probably noticed this phrase repeated by callers introducing themselves:

Hi there, this is Chris, long-time listener, first time caller.

These folks are trying to provide some context for the hosts and other listeners about themselves. (Or they just don’t know what to else to say.)

What would you say if you needed to start your prayers to God this way? I imagine many of you, like me, would probably have to start with something like, “long time caller.” As I pondered that, that when I pray I talk a lot and listen very little, I became embarrassed, ashamed, and frustrated.

How often did Jesus tell us to listen? How often did he demonstrate listening to God?

Maybe today you need to start a prayer one of these ways:

Long-time caller, first-time listener…
It’s been a while since I’ve called in…

Maybe even this one?

First-time caller

Wouldn’t that be an amazing day, regardless of which you can apply?

Whatever you do, remember you’ll learn more listening to God than He will listening to you.

Call in today, but practice listening before and after you speak.