One of my favorite Bible citations is from Second Timothy: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (4:2). I’ve taken this as a reminder that no matter what the circumstances, no matter what I’m doing, I need to have a readiness to engage in mental or audible prayer. For me, this prayer begins with “Father, I’m listening.” Father in this context means God, Spirit, divine Mind. I’ve found that when I’m earnestly seeking direction and willing to turn my thoughts away from circumstances to God, I do get direction.
In July of 2018 I had a wonderful opportunity to experience the healing joy of prayerfully listening. I was with my daughter helping her move to a farm she had purchased. While outside doing some work, I tripped over an unseen metal pipe in the grass and fell forward into a pile of metal garage items. One arm and wrist were bent and painful, and I was unable to rise. My daughter was across the yard in her vehicle getting ready to leave for farm supplies. From the ground, I waved my other arm to signal, but wasn’t seen.
This was a time to pray, “Father, I’m listening.” My directive was to get up! So I did. My daughter had been detained, so I carefully walked to her and explained what had happened. She is not a Christian Scientist, but always shows great respect for my choices, and I for hers, regarding health care. She gently asked if I wanted her to take me to emergency care. I said I wanted time to pray and that she could make her supply trip, knowing I would be all right. And she went ahead.
