Lord, I am self-focused in many areas. I need your grace to let go of me and hear others.

That’s always my prayer—that I can be totally present with the person I’m talking to,

not thinking about the next thing I’m, going to ask—

not filling up the awkward spaces with words.   

~~Cathleen Falsani  

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Take Heart, Oh God: Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time.

It’s difficult to not think about ourselves. Our minds keep us consumed with how we look, how we feel, what we want. . . Even during conversations we are often thinking about ourselves. We want to keep the conversation going so we don’t look awkward. We’re so busy thinking about the next question, we don’t hear the answer to the one we just asked!

Cathleen Falsani advises that we pray for the ability to be totally present with others and to trust God with our needs as we shift our attention outward. We don’t have to fill up every space with words. We need to allow for conversation, back and forth, and even the silence of reflection. This shows that we are engaged and that we care.

Let God guide your conversations today. Be totally present for those with whom you converse. After all, that’s just how God listens to you.  

Prayer for Meditation

Lord, I am self-focused in many areas. I need your grace to let go of me and hear others.

Scripture for Meditation

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking or others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:3-4

Music for Meditation 

Be Still and Know That He is God

 

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below, or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com