Sometimes, We Need To Invite In The Words We Want To Hear

by Eric Elkin

“Let me hear what the Lord God says,
because he speaks peace to his people and to his faithful ones.”

— Psalm 85: 8

Let Me Hear… These three words caught my attention this morning while reading Psalm 85. Actually, I found it challenging to move beyond them. I kept thinking, how would I finish that sentence? If I were talking directly to God, which I do as I pray through these words, what would I ask to hear?

The question created a spiritual dilemma for me. All I could think about were things I did NOT want to hear. The “I don’t want to hear” list is long. As a matter of fact, it feels unending. I don’t want to hear:

Political parties complain about each other, the government cannot work without compromise…deal with it.
ANY pundit, whether they are speaking about world affairs, sports, or Dungeons and Dragons. Having an opinion is not the same thing as knowledge.
Complaints about COVID, my own, and others.
Conspiracy Theories. This one is sad. I used to love them when no one thought they were true.
Gun violence. All we talk about is who to blame, not what can be done differently.
The movies Elf, or A Christmas Story. Great films, but 24 hrs of showing them 7 days a week has worn me out.
Mariah Carey Christmas music. Again, too much.

Can you hear my problem in these words? Once I set off on the course of negativity, the thoughts claim my soul. All of a sudden, I become both deaf and blind to goodness, beauty, and joy. We live in a world addicted to cynicism, hopelessness, and fear. The words spoken in this world become impossible to avoid. Ultimately, they seek to claim our souls.

“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

— Mother Teresa

So my prayers, and possibly yours as well, need to reframe this condition. I need to be intentional in asking God what I want to hear. The starting point cannot be just a reaction to negativity. The psalmist understands our condition and this starting point. They ask to hear God’s words of peace, mercy, and forgiveness.

So let me try again. Let me hear, O God, words of peace. Feel free, Lord God, to speak these words in a song, a reading, or a sermon. However, if it is not asking too much, it would be wonderful to hear words of peace spoken between neighbors. I definitely want to hear them spoken to me. Help me share them with others.

Let me hear your words of grace, real words of grace. When my day is full of anxiety, let me hear that you are close by. Let me hear that none of those things people say about your judgment are real. What counts is your steadfast, unconditional love poured out upon every wounded soul.

An amazing thing happens when you ask to hear. Without realizing it, you begin to notice those words which transform the soul. Your ears become much more alert to God’s presence. More apt to hear words of grace, mercy, compassion, and love. If you don’t believe me, I invite you to try. Pray for the things you want to hear and the ability to listen. The results may transform your life.

Click to read Psalm 85: 1-2; 8-13