Luke 8:16-25 "Listen, really listen"
A prayer, in the form of a collect, based on a bible reading from today's lectionary.
A collect based on Luke 8:16-25 (click here to read the bible passage)
This passage, although fairly short, has 3 parts to it: Don’t hide your lamp under a jar; Who are my mother and brothers? and Jesus calms a storm. I am focusing on one phrase in particular: “Pay attention to how you listen” (Luke 8:18). I found this an intriguing phrase which I realised, somewhat ironically, I had not really listened to before. The phrase is pointing the reader back to the previous ‘Parable of the Sower’ and how the same seed can fall on very different ground. So, that is my starting point for this collect which I haven’t started writing yet…(10am)
Christ, from whom no light is veiled nor secret is hidden,
You said “Listen, really listen; dig below what is familiar toward truths buried deeply within yourself”.
Help us listen like this, with open hearts and vulnerability, to the unheard voices telling untold stories revealing uncomfortable realities that unsettle our truths.
Because then we will know that you are amongst us, come storm or calm.
Amen
I wrote the collect later in the day (7-8pm) which is my usual routine. I like to read the passage the night before so I have 24 hours with it in silence and reflection. I will usually jot ideas down during the day and then spend an hour in the evening putting those thoughts into some sort of shape.
It is always wonderful if you feel able to share this post with someone else who may appreciate this prayer today. And, if you don’t already subscribe, then please do. It is free and you get the email into your inbox each morning. With peace and best wishes, Steve