Listening

We listen not just with our ears, but with our whole bodies. I know, from a person’s body language, whether they are really listening to me or not. It is good to take time to listen and to allow others to listen to us. We feel that what we say is important. We feel valued when we are heard.

As well as listening to others, it is important to listen to God; it is important to listen to ourselves. You might like to read books about this by Joyce Huggett, with such titles as Listening to God and Listening to Others. They are on our church bookshelves and make for very interesting reading. In the course of my training as a Pastoral Worker these books were recommended reading and have certainly helped me in developing my own listening skills

I offer a confidential listening service on Mondays, from 11am until 12pm, in the Ryan room at Norbury Church. Do feel free to avail yourself of this service if you want somebody to talk to. It is open to everybody, and you do not need to book. If this time is unsuitable please contact me to arrange another time.

I am not a trained counsellor; I offer a listening ear and where appropriate can advise on where to obtain the necessary help. A prayer is said at the end of the session if this is what the person desires, and I will continue to support this person as long as they need my service.

One person who has used this listening service says, Having someone to talk to when my life was in a mess really helped me. It was so comforting to be able to let off steam and talk with no advice or comments to worry about. I feel this is a valuable resource, which, if more people realised that it is truly confidential, would be used more. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Ann Smith Pastoral Worker (0161-487 1838)

Take Time

Take time to think, it is the source of power.
Take time to read, it is the foundation of wisdom.
Take time to play, it is the secret of staying young.
Take time to be quiet, it is the opportunity to seek God.
Take time to be aware, it is the opportunity to help others.
Take time to love and be loved, it is God’s greatest gift.
Take time to laugh, it is the music of the soul.
Take time to be friendly, it is the road to happiness.
Take time to dream, it is what the future is made of.
Take time to pray, it is the greatest power on earth.
There is time for everything.
Amen

Teach me to listen

Teach me to listen Lord, to those nearest me,
my family, my friends, my co-workers.
Help me to be aware that no matter
what words I hear, the message is,
“Accept the person I am, listen to me.”
Teach me to listen, Lord, to those far from me,
the whisper of the hopeless,
the plea of the forgotten,
the cry of the anguished.
Teach me to listen Lord, to myself;
help me to be less afraid,
to trust the voice inside,
in the deepest part of me.
Teach me to listen Lord, for your voice,
in busyness and boredom.
In certainty and in doubt,
in noise and in silence.
Teach me, Lord, to listen.
Amen