Dear Congregation,
Greetings! I hope all is well with you.
As I’ve shared with you in sermons, in meetings, and one on one, I have gotten information about some good resources, ministry experiences, and other valuable tips that other pastors have shared in Facebook groups of which I am a member—”UCC Clergy”, “UCC Clergywomen”, “RevGalBlogPals”, “Things they didn’t teach us in Seminary”, and “Clergy Chicks”.
As our focus in worship this Sunday will be Jesus’ words on prayer as found in Luke 11:1-13, I thought of this poem/prayer written by Pastor Katy Stenta that I had saved because I thought it was so meaningful. I share it with you here.
“Fiercely Listening”
God
sometimes I think about
how much of my job
is listening to those
who are hurt
Sometimes I pray about
all those without ears to hear
Those who are quick to judge
or center themselves
or say, if they had just…
So…
I think about how often Jesus just sat
and listened, really listened
and validated people’s pain,
and then called them by name.
Sometimes I think about
how much of the community’s job
is listening,
Fiercely listening to those
who are unheard, or drowned out or ignored
Fiercely listening to those
who are hurt,
without judgement
or agenda
…just listening fiercely
to those who have been
especially hurt
and then I
try to practice
that fierce listening
taking to heart
the cries of injustice
opening my ears to hear
and my heart to be melted
Help me to do my job I pray.
Amen.
I can really identify with the opening words of this prayer. I have found, in my experience, that in the deep listening to another, God is present, and healing happens. Burdens are lightened. This “fierce listening” is not limited to the pastor in prayer. As Pastor Stenta writes, “…the community’s job is listening…” And so I invite each of you to do some “fierce listening”. It is a holy gift to both the speaker and to the listener.
I look forward to being in worship with you Sunday.
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Candy
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