Scripture:

“This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” (Luke 9:35)

Thought for the day:

Mark Twain once said: “If we were supposed to talk more than we listen, we would have two tongues and one ear.”

Listening is key to all effective communication, without the ability to listen effectively messages are easily misunderstood. How much hurt and heartache would be avoided if we would just stop long enough to listen?

Jesus says very deliberately: “Let anyone who with ears to hear, listen!

Here are some listening tips:

Stop talking,
Relax and focus on whoever is talking,
Encourage the one who is talking by maintaining eye contact without staring
Remove distractions - put your cellphones away, don’t doodle and such…
Try to Understand their perspective
Be patient
Try to be Impartial
Be aware of their tone and volume as it will help you determine their emphasis
Try to listen for ideas not just words so that you can begin to get the whole picture
Pay attention to the speaker’s nonverbal communication

Find more at: http://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/listening-skills.html#ixzz4HsTWH15e

And as important as it is to listen to each other, God has declared at Jesus’ baptism by John: “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” Luke 9:35

Prayer for the day:
Heavenly Father, silence my lips, open my heart, and allow me to listen for Jesus. Amen.