Do we Listen Enough?

When i was walking into work this morning i found myself talking away to God. Asking God to bless my wife, daughter, my church, local business's, well anything that came into my head really.

Then i stopped in my tracks, and thought; when was the last time i listened for God to reply? All i seem to do when i pray is make petitions and requests. That's not much of a conversation. Working in a shop I do get the occasional customer who likes to tell you everything about their life and the problems; but never stopped to catch there breath let alone ask how you are. I find them so frustrating. But this is exactly how i have behaving with God recently. Do do the same?

So for the rest of the walk to work i said nothing, just looked at Gods creation and waited to hear God's voice.

Did I hear Gods voice?

Yes think i probably did. Idea's popped into my head about projects im involved in. Answers to questions i had been pondering were answered in my mind. Some might ague that was just me, I couldn't say 100% if they were from me, but i doubt it.

But one thing is for sure. The more I try to listen the more I will hear.

Remember Martha and Mary (Luke Luke 10:38-42), Martha was running around trying to get lots of task done (probably to please Jesus), but Mary just sat at his feet listening to Jesus. Interesting how Jesus responds isn't it. "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her." Even though Martha's worries were about pleasing Jesus, he would prefer that she simply sat and listened.

How much listening do you do? Do you think you should listen more? I know i do.