Prayer: from meditation to dialogue

12/12/11 Morning prayer time had me petitioning the Lord to "give ear" to my prayers. David prayed similarly in Psalm 17: 6. "I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words." (ESV) Yet my heart was reminded that I needed to afford the Lord the same opportunity. I needed to offer my ear to hear from Him. Prayer is a two-way communication.
In Habakkuk, the prophet dialogued with God. He waited to hear from God and even considered His reply. I need to consider his model.
Like a sentinel keeping watch on the wall of his city, he waited expectantly for God's reply. Waiting is often part of the listening.

I will stand on my guard post And station myself on the rampart; And I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me,....(Habakkuk 2:1, RSV)

When the Lord does reply, He instructs Habakkuk to record it and share it as a herald, of sorts----that I can understand. (Sounds a little like journaling and blogging.)

Today my ear was open to hear. Was yours?

Often we just have to be willing---even willing to wait.

Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints, to those who turn to him in their hearts. (Psalm 85:8)