The Weekend Approaches
This week we have used a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need to Listen”, as a focal point for our devotional life. We conclude our meditation time on becoming better listeners with the concluding section of Ken’s prayer to the Great Listener, God our Creator.
“Steady me, O God, as a listener.
And when I speak, make me careful lest I use words as weapons
and language as a severing sword.
Enable me to sort out what I hear and not be thrown off balance
when the tongue of another is careless.
When prejudice and passion weigh the words I hear
with divisiveness and conflict,
give me sense enough to reject them.
Grant me judgment and common sense to cut through words
that evade and distort lest I be misled.
Steady me, O Lord, as I learn to listen. Amen.”
Divine presence and help is near. Have a good day and weekend listening to the voices of those in this place. And, if you are one of the privileged who can enjoy a weekend away from Hendricks Regional Health, then may your listening ears be well tuned to family and friends as well as the songs of nature!
--Ben Keckler
04.13.12
Showing posts with label Listening. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Listening. Show all posts
Friday, April 13, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Daily Devotion - Thursday, April 12
Awareness in the Workplace
This week we are praying through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer.
“Help me to listen to myself,
to still small voices of conscience, to whispers of faith,
and to the soft inner humming of hope.
Help me to learn to trust myself more than I do,
trust myself not because I am wise and good,
but because I am loved and wanted.
Help me to listen to the stranger who may be an angel is disguise,
to the friend who may be lonely and lost.
Help me to listen to the angry and the outraged
who may be saying to me words I need to hear.”
Divine presence and help is near. I trust that you can find time to mediate on Dr. Phifer’s words, as you strive to maintain a quiet center in your life. A listening Creator can enable us to be better listeners. Have a good day.
--Ben Keckler
04.12.12
This week we are praying through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer.
“Help me to listen to myself,
to still small voices of conscience, to whispers of faith,
and to the soft inner humming of hope.
Help me to learn to trust myself more than I do,
trust myself not because I am wise and good,
but because I am loved and wanted.
Help me to listen to the stranger who may be an angel is disguise,
to the friend who may be lonely and lost.
Help me to listen to the angry and the outraged
who may be saying to me words I need to hear.”
Divine presence and help is near. I trust that you can find time to mediate on Dr. Phifer’s words, as you strive to maintain a quiet center in your life. A listening Creator can enable us to be better listeners. Have a good day.
--Ben Keckler
04.12.12
Monday, October 24, 2011
Daily Devotion - Monday, October 24
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
“Teach me your way, O Lord. Lead me on a level path.”
--A song from an ancient seeker
Monday: Where are the Phillies?
All that money the Philadelphia Phillies spent in recent years to field the finest team in baseball didn’t work this year. The Phillies have an abundance of great players and coaches, but fans aren’t celebrating this year in the city of brotherly love. This year BIG money couldn’t purchase a championship.
As I pen this devotion the National League champ has not been crowned. Either Milwaukee or St. Louis will be playing the Texas Rangers. Hopefully, it will be a series of good ballgames!
This week is pastoral care week and the theme of the week is “Voices Shared.” The ballgame of pastoral care is about listening to the voices of those who have stories to share! The world is quite torn, fractured by earthquake, flooding, hurricane and tornado; the world is quite chaotic, divided by conflicting political, economic, and religious beliefs and values. Is it possible to listen to the voices of pained and grief-filled people? Where is the level path and how can shared voices lead us toward it, if not to it? It seems that the first half of today’s song has an answer. I can’t help but wonder if we are willing to let our spirits be humbled to the point that we can be taught.
So, as you sit back and let the commentators take you out to the ballgame, allow your spirit to do some work imagining how “shared voices” across the global village can bring a measure of healing for this fractured and divided world.
I trust that each of us is looking forward to a great week.
A Prayer: Holy God, fill me with quietness. Amen.
“Teach me your way, O Lord. Lead me on a level path.”
--A song from an ancient seeker
Monday: Where are the Phillies?
All that money the Philadelphia Phillies spent in recent years to field the finest team in baseball didn’t work this year. The Phillies have an abundance of great players and coaches, but fans aren’t celebrating this year in the city of brotherly love. This year BIG money couldn’t purchase a championship.
As I pen this devotion the National League champ has not been crowned. Either Milwaukee or St. Louis will be playing the Texas Rangers. Hopefully, it will be a series of good ballgames!
This week is pastoral care week and the theme of the week is “Voices Shared.” The ballgame of pastoral care is about listening to the voices of those who have stories to share! The world is quite torn, fractured by earthquake, flooding, hurricane and tornado; the world is quite chaotic, divided by conflicting political, economic, and religious beliefs and values. Is it possible to listen to the voices of pained and grief-filled people? Where is the level path and how can shared voices lead us toward it, if not to it? It seems that the first half of today’s song has an answer. I can’t help but wonder if we are willing to let our spirits be humbled to the point that we can be taught.
So, as you sit back and let the commentators take you out to the ballgame, allow your spirit to do some work imagining how “shared voices” across the global village can bring a measure of healing for this fractured and divided world.
I trust that each of us is looking forward to a great week.
A Prayer: Holy God, fill me with quietness. Amen.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Daily Devotion - Friday, April 8
Are You Listening?
“Listen to the sound of my cry O my God,
for to you I pray.”
--From Psalm 5
Today we conclude our work through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need to Listen”. The verse of the Psalm introduces us to a person who desires that God hear his/her prayers. The theme of Rev. Phifer’s prayer is for God to empower him to be a better listener. It seems these two themes are quite congruent. I trust we can emerge as better listeners because of a prayer to the Great Listener, our Holy God.
“Steady me, O God, as a listener.
And when I speak, make me careful lest I use words as weapons
and language as a severing sword.
Enable me to sort out what I hear and not be thrown off balance
when the tongue of another is careless.
When prejudice and passion weight the words I hear with divisiveness and conflict,
give me sense enough to reject them.
Grant me judgment and common sense to cut through words
that evade and distort lest I be misled.
Steady me, O Lord, as I learn to listen. Amen.”
Divine presence and help is near. Have a good day and weekend listening to the voices of those around us.
--Ben Keckler
04.08.11
“Listen to the sound of my cry O my God,
for to you I pray.”
--From Psalm 5
Today we conclude our work through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need to Listen”. The verse of the Psalm introduces us to a person who desires that God hear his/her prayers. The theme of Rev. Phifer’s prayer is for God to empower him to be a better listener. It seems these two themes are quite congruent. I trust we can emerge as better listeners because of a prayer to the Great Listener, our Holy God.
“Steady me, O God, as a listener.
And when I speak, make me careful lest I use words as weapons
and language as a severing sword.
Enable me to sort out what I hear and not be thrown off balance
when the tongue of another is careless.
When prejudice and passion weight the words I hear with divisiveness and conflict,
give me sense enough to reject them.
Grant me judgment and common sense to cut through words
that evade and distort lest I be misled.
Steady me, O Lord, as I learn to listen. Amen.”
Divine presence and help is near. Have a good day and weekend listening to the voices of those around us.
--Ben Keckler
04.08.11
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Daily Devotion - Thursday, April 7
Are You Listening?
“Listen to the sound of my cry, O my God,
for to you I pray.”
--From Psalm 5
This week we continue to work through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need to Listen”. The verse of the Psalm introduces us to a person who desires that God hear his/her prayers. The theme of Rev. Phifer’s prayer is for God to empower him to be a better listener. It seems these two themes are quite congruent. I trust we can emerge as better listeners because of a prayer to the Great Listener, our Holy God.
“Help me to listen to myself,
to still small voices of conscience, to whispers of faith,
and to the soft inner humming of hope.
Help me to learn to trust myself more than I do,
trust myself not because I am wise and good,
but because I am loved and wanted.
Help me to listen to the stranger who may be an angel is disguise,
to the friend who may be lonely and lost.
Help me to listen to the angry and the outraged
who may be saying to me words I need to hear.”
Divine presence and help is near. As we see Dr. Phifer’s requests simply stated, may each of us find our conversation with God a time of simply identifying the help we need to maintain the quiet center of our lives. A listening Creator can enable us to be better listeners. Have a good day.
--Ben Keckler
04.07.11
“Listen to the sound of my cry, O my God,
for to you I pray.”
--From Psalm 5
This week we continue to work through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need to Listen”. The verse of the Psalm introduces us to a person who desires that God hear his/her prayers. The theme of Rev. Phifer’s prayer is for God to empower him to be a better listener. It seems these two themes are quite congruent. I trust we can emerge as better listeners because of a prayer to the Great Listener, our Holy God.
“Help me to listen to myself,
to still small voices of conscience, to whispers of faith,
and to the soft inner humming of hope.
Help me to learn to trust myself more than I do,
trust myself not because I am wise and good,
but because I am loved and wanted.
Help me to listen to the stranger who may be an angel is disguise,
to the friend who may be lonely and lost.
Help me to listen to the angry and the outraged
who may be saying to me words I need to hear.”
Divine presence and help is near. As we see Dr. Phifer’s requests simply stated, may each of us find our conversation with God a time of simply identifying the help we need to maintain the quiet center of our lives. A listening Creator can enable us to be better listeners. Have a good day.
--Ben Keckler
04.07.11
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, April 6
Are You Listening?
“Listen to the sound of my cry, O my God,
for to you I pray.”
--From Psalm 5
This week we are working through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need To Listen”. The verse of the Psalm introduces us to a person who desires that God hear his/her prayers. The theme of Rev. Phifer’s prayer is for God to empower him to be a better listener. It seems these two themes are quite congruent. Let’s become better listeners through a prayer to the Great Listener, our Holy God.
“Lord, this is a shouting world.
There are voices of rage and of protest.
There are voices of defiance and of contempt.
How carefully I sift out the shouting, ignore the screaming.
Make me listen, O God, I pray.
You are the Creator of us all,
and sometimes the voices of anger carry messages from you.
Enable me to be a listener, I ask.
For in listening I may find direction and guidance.”
There are multiple reasons for people shouting around this global villiage, trying to understand. In my workplace the shouting may be muffled, weakened by disease, but it is still very present. Listen closely today to shouts and screams; may you find a Holy Presence giving you clarity in your listening. God bless you.
--Ben Keckler
04.06.11
“Listen to the sound of my cry, O my God,
for to you I pray.”
--From Psalm 5
This week we are working through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need To Listen”. The verse of the Psalm introduces us to a person who desires that God hear his/her prayers. The theme of Rev. Phifer’s prayer is for God to empower him to be a better listener. It seems these two themes are quite congruent. Let’s become better listeners through a prayer to the Great Listener, our Holy God.
“Lord, this is a shouting world.
There are voices of rage and of protest.
There are voices of defiance and of contempt.
How carefully I sift out the shouting, ignore the screaming.
Make me listen, O God, I pray.
You are the Creator of us all,
and sometimes the voices of anger carry messages from you.
Enable me to be a listener, I ask.
For in listening I may find direction and guidance.”
There are multiple reasons for people shouting around this global villiage, trying to understand. In my workplace the shouting may be muffled, weakened by disease, but it is still very present. Listen closely today to shouts and screams; may you find a Holy Presence giving you clarity in your listening. God bless you.
--Ben Keckler
04.06.11
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, April 5
Are You Listening?
“Listen to the sound of my cry O my God,
for to you I pray.”
--From Psalm 5
This week we are going to work through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need to Listen”. The verse of the Psalm introduces us to a person who desires that God hear his/her prayers. The theme of Rev. Phifer’s prayer is for God to empower him to be a better listener. It seems these two themes are quite congruent. Let’s become better listeners through a prayer to the Great Listener, our Holy God.
“Lord, this is a sobbing world.
There are voices filled with echoes of hurt and pain everywhere.
There are voices almost choked out by tears
and voices that come out of aching.
There are hollow voices, empty voices.
I would rather not hear them—
the voices of hungry children
and of sorrowing women
and of desperate men.
But they are all around me.
Enable me to hear them, I pray, and in the hearing
Be able to be near my brothers and sisters.”
Have a blessed day as you listen.
--Ben Keckler
04.05.11
“Listen to the sound of my cry O my God,
for to you I pray.”
--From Psalm 5
This week we are going to work through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need to Listen”. The verse of the Psalm introduces us to a person who desires that God hear his/her prayers. The theme of Rev. Phifer’s prayer is for God to empower him to be a better listener. It seems these two themes are quite congruent. Let’s become better listeners through a prayer to the Great Listener, our Holy God.
“Lord, this is a sobbing world.
There are voices filled with echoes of hurt and pain everywhere.
There are voices almost choked out by tears
and voices that come out of aching.
There are hollow voices, empty voices.
I would rather not hear them—
the voices of hungry children
and of sorrowing women
and of desperate men.
But they are all around me.
Enable me to hear them, I pray, and in the hearing
Be able to be near my brothers and sisters.”
Have a blessed day as you listen.
--Ben Keckler
04.05.11
Monday, April 4, 2011
Daily Devotion - Monday, April 4
Are You Listening?
“Listen to the sound of my cry O my God,
for to you I pray.”
--From Psalm 5
This week we are going to work through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need to Listen”. The verse of the Psalm introduces us to a person who desires that God hear his/her prayers. The theme of Rev. Phifer’s prayer is for God to empower him to be a better listener. It seems these two themes are quite congruent. Let’s take time this week seeking to become better listeners through a prayer to the Great Listener, our Holy God.
“How strange it is, O Lord,
that I should feel I need to ask you to hear me.
Is it not I who need to learn to listen?
Should I not ask you to jerk me to my feet,
to snatch me out of my drowsy indifference,
to nudge me into alertness?
I am constantly surrounded by sounds I do not hear,
By voices to which I am indifferent.
“This is a singing world.
There are voices of angels
and voices of those inviting me to share in their lives.
Enable me to hear them, I pray,
and in the hearing be lifted up to gratitude
for the mystery and magic of being human.”
--Ben Keckler
04.04.11
“Listen to the sound of my cry O my God,
for to you I pray.”
--From Psalm 5
This week we are going to work through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need to Listen”. The verse of the Psalm introduces us to a person who desires that God hear his/her prayers. The theme of Rev. Phifer’s prayer is for God to empower him to be a better listener. It seems these two themes are quite congruent. Let’s take time this week seeking to become better listeners through a prayer to the Great Listener, our Holy God.
“How strange it is, O Lord,
that I should feel I need to ask you to hear me.
Is it not I who need to learn to listen?
Should I not ask you to jerk me to my feet,
to snatch me out of my drowsy indifference,
to nudge me into alertness?
I am constantly surrounded by sounds I do not hear,
By voices to which I am indifferent.
“This is a singing world.
There are voices of angels
and voices of those inviting me to share in their lives.
Enable me to hear them, I pray,
and in the hearing be lifted up to gratitude
for the mystery and magic of being human.”
--Ben Keckler
04.04.11
Monday, October 25, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, October 25
Constant Call for Compassionate Care
God gave us two ears but only one mouth.
Some people say that’s because He wanted us to spend
twice as much time listening as talking.
Others claim it’s because He knew that listening was twice as hard.
--Unknown
During the past five plus years I've been growing in a new responsibility or opportunity. It is really something I've been doing for most of my adult life; these last few years the focus has changed. Now I am dedicated to the specific challenge of compassionately caring for GRANDchildren.
We hear the constant call for compassionate care for all the GRAND children of our global village. Sometimes we do a good job, sometimes we need to polish our skills. Responding to this task can wear on us. Compassionate care for children begins when we actively listen to their heartsongs. Our creator knows how to listen and how hard listening really is. I personally believe that God would much rather we cry with one another and say “it hurts!” than for us to proclaim we are OK when we really are hurting!
Can we commit ourselves to this really difficult task — listening to children. A child comes to us crying, “It hurts!” No external wound, but “it hurts.” They may not be able to have anything more definitive than that. Compassionate care calls us to listen to those two simple words, to hear the cry of their hurting heart and then to provide the therapeutic touch. The cries are becoming more intense! Are you ready to listen and respond? God be with us in our listening and in our responding.
--Ben Keckler
10.25.10
God gave us two ears but only one mouth.
Some people say that’s because He wanted us to spend
twice as much time listening as talking.
Others claim it’s because He knew that listening was twice as hard.
--Unknown
During the past five plus years I've been growing in a new responsibility or opportunity. It is really something I've been doing for most of my adult life; these last few years the focus has changed. Now I am dedicated to the specific challenge of compassionately caring for GRANDchildren.
We hear the constant call for compassionate care for all the GRAND children of our global village. Sometimes we do a good job, sometimes we need to polish our skills. Responding to this task can wear on us. Compassionate care for children begins when we actively listen to their heartsongs. Our creator knows how to listen and how hard listening really is. I personally believe that God would much rather we cry with one another and say “it hurts!” than for us to proclaim we are OK when we really are hurting!
Can we commit ourselves to this really difficult task — listening to children. A child comes to us crying, “It hurts!” No external wound, but “it hurts.” They may not be able to have anything more definitive than that. Compassionate care calls us to listen to those two simple words, to hear the cry of their hurting heart and then to provide the therapeutic touch. The cries are becoming more intense! Are you ready to listen and respond? God be with us in our listening and in our responding.
--Ben Keckler
10.25.10
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, August 17
Listening to Our Hearts, Day 2
This week our devotions focus on the theme of listening to our hearts.
The story for today is attributed to philosopher Chuang Tzu. What do you sense this saying in your heart/soul/spirit/whatever word you use to describe that internal sense of value and order for your life?
The purpose of a fish trap is to catch fish
And when the fish are caught, the trap is forgotten.
The purpose of a rabbit snare is to catch rabbits.
When the rabbits are caught, the snare is forgotten.
The purpose of the word is to convey ideas.
When the ideas are grasped, the words are forgotten.
Where can I find a person who has forgotten words?
This is the one I would like to talk to.
Remember: Even in silence there is a great deal that is being said. Enjoy listening today.
--Ben Keckler
08.17.10
This week our devotions focus on the theme of listening to our hearts.
The story for today is attributed to philosopher Chuang Tzu. What do you sense this saying in your heart/soul/spirit/whatever word you use to describe that internal sense of value and order for your life?
The purpose of a fish trap is to catch fish
And when the fish are caught, the trap is forgotten.
The purpose of a rabbit snare is to catch rabbits.
When the rabbits are caught, the snare is forgotten.
The purpose of the word is to convey ideas.
When the ideas are grasped, the words are forgotten.
Where can I find a person who has forgotten words?
This is the one I would like to talk to.
Remember: Even in silence there is a great deal that is being said. Enjoy listening today.
--Ben Keckler
08.17.10
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, June 24
Listening
“Speak for your servant is listening.”
One skill that is always in need of greater development is the skill of listening. It is very easy to fill the silence of an encounter with “our agenda”. It is also very easy to hear what is said without feeling what the heart-song of the other person really is. Listening calls us to give time and space to the person who is sharing with us. Listening is allowing yourself to give full attentiveness to that which is beyond you.
Prayer for today: Slow me down and grant me the gift of full attentiveness to others. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
06.24.10
“Speak for your servant is listening.”
One skill that is always in need of greater development is the skill of listening. It is very easy to fill the silence of an encounter with “our agenda”. It is also very easy to hear what is said without feeling what the heart-song of the other person really is. Listening calls us to give time and space to the person who is sharing with us. Listening is allowing yourself to give full attentiveness to that which is beyond you.
Prayer for today: Slow me down and grant me the gift of full attentiveness to others. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
06.24.10
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, April 23
Concluding a Week About Listening
“Give ear to my words, O Lord;
give heed to my sighing.
Listen to the sound of my cry, O my God,
for to you I pray.”
--From Psalm 5
This week we have used a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled “I Need to Listen” as a focal point for our devotional life. The writer of the above Psalm verses desired that God hear his/her prayers. Rev. Phifer’s prayer is asking God to empower him to be a better listener. The two requests can be drawn together. To finish this week of devotions on becoming a better listener, we meditate on the concluding section of Rev. Phifer’s prayer.
“Steady me, O God, as a listener.
And when I speak, make me careful lest I use words as weapons
and language as a severing sword.
Enable me to sort out what I hear and not be thrown off balance
when the tongue of another is careless.
When prejudice and passion weigh the words I hear with divisiveness and conflict,
give me sense enough to reject them.
Grant me judgment and common sense to cut through words
that evade and distort lest I be misled.
Steady me, O Lord, as I learn to listen. Amen.”
Divine presence and help is near. Have a good day and weekend listening to the voice within and the voices of those around you.
--Ben Keckler
04.23.10
“Give ear to my words, O Lord;
give heed to my sighing.
Listen to the sound of my cry, O my God,
for to you I pray.”
--From Psalm 5
This week we have used a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled “I Need to Listen” as a focal point for our devotional life. The writer of the above Psalm verses desired that God hear his/her prayers. Rev. Phifer’s prayer is asking God to empower him to be a better listener. The two requests can be drawn together. To finish this week of devotions on becoming a better listener, we meditate on the concluding section of Rev. Phifer’s prayer.
“Steady me, O God, as a listener.
And when I speak, make me careful lest I use words as weapons
and language as a severing sword.
Enable me to sort out what I hear and not be thrown off balance
when the tongue of another is careless.
When prejudice and passion weigh the words I hear with divisiveness and conflict,
give me sense enough to reject them.
Grant me judgment and common sense to cut through words
that evade and distort lest I be misled.
Steady me, O Lord, as I learn to listen. Amen.”
Divine presence and help is near. Have a good day and weekend listening to the voice within and the voices of those around you.
--Ben Keckler
04.23.10
Daily Devotion - Thursday, April 22
Becoming a Better Listener
“Give ear to my words, O Lord;
give heed to my sighing.
Listen to the sound of my cry, O my God,
for to you I pray.”
--From Psalm 5
“I Need to Listen” is the title of a prayer by Kenneth Phifer. This week we are praying through this prayer, trying to become better listeners. The verses of the Psalm are from a person desiring that God hear his/her prayers. Rev. Phifer’s prayer is asking for God to empower him to be a better listener. The two themes can be drawn together. Part of today’s section of the prayer turns within, listening to ourselves.
“Help me to listen to myself,
to still small voices of conscience, to whispers of faith,
and to the soft inner humming of hope.
Help me to learn to trust myself more than I do,
trust myself not because I am wise and good,
but because I am loved and wanted.
“Help me to listen to the stranger who may be an angel is disguise,
to the friend who may be lonely and lost.
Help me to listen to the angry and the outraged
who may be saying to me words I need to hear.”
Divine presence and help is near. As we see Dr. Phifer’s requests simply stated, may each of us find our conversation with God a time of simply identifying the help we need to maintain the quiet center of our lives. A listening Creator enables us to be better listeners.
Have a good day.
--Ben Keckler
04.22.10
“Give ear to my words, O Lord;
give heed to my sighing.
Listen to the sound of my cry, O my God,
for to you I pray.”
--From Psalm 5
“I Need to Listen” is the title of a prayer by Kenneth Phifer. This week we are praying through this prayer, trying to become better listeners. The verses of the Psalm are from a person desiring that God hear his/her prayers. Rev. Phifer’s prayer is asking for God to empower him to be a better listener. The two themes can be drawn together. Part of today’s section of the prayer turns within, listening to ourselves.
“Help me to listen to myself,
to still small voices of conscience, to whispers of faith,
and to the soft inner humming of hope.
Help me to learn to trust myself more than I do,
trust myself not because I am wise and good,
but because I am loved and wanted.
“Help me to listen to the stranger who may be an angel is disguise,
to the friend who may be lonely and lost.
Help me to listen to the angry and the outraged
who may be saying to me words I need to hear.”
Divine presence and help is near. As we see Dr. Phifer’s requests simply stated, may each of us find our conversation with God a time of simply identifying the help we need to maintain the quiet center of our lives. A listening Creator enables us to be better listeners.
Have a good day.
--Ben Keckler
04.22.10
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, February 2
Prelude to the Super Bowl
This week I’m giving some attention to the Super Bowl, offering a series of devotions titled, “Prelude to the Super Bowl.”
I was privileged to watch the Jets/Colts game while we celebrated our granddaughter’s 3rd birthday. Don’t get me wrong – I think it would have been phenomenal to be at the game! The reason I call myself privileged is that I enjoyed celebrating two wonderful gifts—a granddaughter and the Colts.
Today I want to look at pivotal interviews of the season. During the regular season loss to the Jets, it was clear that the Colts players were rather disappointed that they were not going to have an undefeated season. The body language was clear. (I do like the bumper sticker that has emerged: Our Starters Are Still Undefeated.)
The pivotal interviews came right after the game. While disappointed, the players interviewed (Peyton and others) stated that Coach Caldwell makes the decisions and we carry them out. Two important things emerged from their statements: 1. We respect our leader (even when we disagree); and 2. We listen.
The players taught us a great deal about what successful, winning people and teams must do. Thanks, team, for teaching your fans the importance of Respect and Listening.
Have a blessed day listening to and serving others.
--Ben Keckler
02.02.10
This week I’m giving some attention to the Super Bowl, offering a series of devotions titled, “Prelude to the Super Bowl.”
I was privileged to watch the Jets/Colts game while we celebrated our granddaughter’s 3rd birthday. Don’t get me wrong – I think it would have been phenomenal to be at the game! The reason I call myself privileged is that I enjoyed celebrating two wonderful gifts—a granddaughter and the Colts.
Today I want to look at pivotal interviews of the season. During the regular season loss to the Jets, it was clear that the Colts players were rather disappointed that they were not going to have an undefeated season. The body language was clear. (I do like the bumper sticker that has emerged: Our Starters Are Still Undefeated.)
The pivotal interviews came right after the game. While disappointed, the players interviewed (Peyton and others) stated that Coach Caldwell makes the decisions and we carry them out. Two important things emerged from their statements: 1. We respect our leader (even when we disagree); and 2. We listen.
The players taught us a great deal about what successful, winning people and teams must do. Thanks, team, for teaching your fans the importance of Respect and Listening.
Have a blessed day listening to and serving others.
--Ben Keckler
02.02.10
Monday, September 14, 2009
Daily Devotion - Monday, September 14
Attentiveness
Expand my awareness, O God,
to others whom I will see today and tomorrow.
Help me to look for the signs of our common humanity
as we share our lives with each other.
Help me to listen to what my heart is saying and,
help me to listen to what others are saying to me.
May I hear both the words they speak
and the things they are really saying.
Sensitize me to the crying buried deep in the heart.
Remind me of your steadfast love
and help me to reflect your love to others.
--Ben Keckler
09.14.09
Expand my awareness, O God,
to others whom I will see today and tomorrow.
Help me to look for the signs of our common humanity
as we share our lives with each other.
Help me to listen to what my heart is saying and,
help me to listen to what others are saying to me.
May I hear both the words they speak
and the things they are really saying.
Sensitize me to the crying buried deep in the heart.
Remind me of your steadfast love
and help me to reflect your love to others.
--Ben Keckler
09.14.09
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, June 30
The Skill of Listening
“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
--from the 1st book of Samuel (3:9)
One skill that is always in need of greater development is the skill of listening. It is very easy to fill the silence of an encounter with “our agenda”. It is also very easy to hear what is said without feeling what the heartsong of the other person really is. Listening calls us to give time and space to the person who is sharing with us. Listening is allowing yourself to give full attentiveness to that which is beyond you.
Prayer: Slow me down and grant me the gift of full attentiveness to others. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
06.30.09
“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
--from the 1st book of Samuel (3:9)
One skill that is always in need of greater development is the skill of listening. It is very easy to fill the silence of an encounter with “our agenda”. It is also very easy to hear what is said without feeling what the heartsong of the other person really is. Listening calls us to give time and space to the person who is sharing with us. Listening is allowing yourself to give full attentiveness to that which is beyond you.
Prayer: Slow me down and grant me the gift of full attentiveness to others. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
06.30.09
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, June 23
Vertical Listening
“God said to Moses,
I AM who I AM.”
--From the life of Moses, Exodus 3:14
Yesterday we examined the theme of listening, talking about the horizontal nature of active listening. By that I mean the listening we do when relating to others whether they be family members, friends or persons we meet in our work. Today I want to encourage us to spend a few moments thinking about the vertical nature of active listening. By that I mean the listening we do as we practice our spirituality, regardless of our religious background.
When Moses heard the words, “I AM who I AM” he probably spent the rest of his life struggling with understanding the fullness of those words. Active listening to divine leading can empower us in the tasks and routines of the day. One morning not all that long ago, I wanted to grab a CD to listen to on the way to work. I grabbed one, but after taking a couple of steps was compelled to go back and pick up a different one. While listening to this a capella group my pager went off and I called the hospital. As I listened (horizontally) to the staff person, I realized that I had received a vertical prompting in my choice of CD for the morning. Coincidence? Listening to my gut? Maybe. I am comfortable if you want to view it as that and trust that you can be comfortable with my spiritual interpretation of the happenings.
To take time with the great “I AM,” to actively listen to the inner prompting and to respond without needing all the answers is what vertical listening is all about. Henri Nouwen writes these words about our horizontal and vertical listening: “As long as we live on this earth, our lives will be marked by compassion.” Enjoy listening to the great “I AM.”
--Ben Keckler
06.23.09
“God said to Moses,
I AM who I AM.”
--From the life of Moses, Exodus 3:14
Yesterday we examined the theme of listening, talking about the horizontal nature of active listening. By that I mean the listening we do when relating to others whether they be family members, friends or persons we meet in our work. Today I want to encourage us to spend a few moments thinking about the vertical nature of active listening. By that I mean the listening we do as we practice our spirituality, regardless of our religious background.
When Moses heard the words, “I AM who I AM” he probably spent the rest of his life struggling with understanding the fullness of those words. Active listening to divine leading can empower us in the tasks and routines of the day. One morning not all that long ago, I wanted to grab a CD to listen to on the way to work. I grabbed one, but after taking a couple of steps was compelled to go back and pick up a different one. While listening to this a capella group my pager went off and I called the hospital. As I listened (horizontally) to the staff person, I realized that I had received a vertical prompting in my choice of CD for the morning. Coincidence? Listening to my gut? Maybe. I am comfortable if you want to view it as that and trust that you can be comfortable with my spiritual interpretation of the happenings.
To take time with the great “I AM,” to actively listen to the inner prompting and to respond without needing all the answers is what vertical listening is all about. Henri Nouwen writes these words about our horizontal and vertical listening: “As long as we live on this earth, our lives will be marked by compassion.” Enjoy listening to the great “I AM.”
--Ben Keckler
06.23.09
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Daily Devotion - Friday, April 17
I Need To Listen
This week we have used a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need to Listen”, as a focal point for our devotional life. The theme of Rev. Phifer’s prayer is for God to empower him to be a better listener. We conclude our meditation time on becoming better listeners with the concluding section of Ken’s prayer to the Great Listener, God our Creator.
“Steady me, O God, as a listener.
And when I speak, make me careful lest I use words as weapons
and language as a severing sword.
Enable me to sort out what I hear and not be thrown off balance
when the tongue of another is careless.
When prejudice and passion weight the words I hear with divisiveness and conflict,
give me sense enough to reject them.
Grant me judgment and common sense to cut through words
that evade and distort lest I be misled.
Steady me, O Lord, as I learn to listen. Amen.”
Divine presence and help is near. Have a good day and weekend listening to the voices of those in this place.
--Ben Keckler
04.17.09
This week we have used a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need to Listen”, as a focal point for our devotional life. The theme of Rev. Phifer’s prayer is for God to empower him to be a better listener. We conclude our meditation time on becoming better listeners with the concluding section of Ken’s prayer to the Great Listener, God our Creator.
“Steady me, O God, as a listener.
And when I speak, make me careful lest I use words as weapons
and language as a severing sword.
Enable me to sort out what I hear and not be thrown off balance
when the tongue of another is careless.
When prejudice and passion weight the words I hear with divisiveness and conflict,
give me sense enough to reject them.
Grant me judgment and common sense to cut through words
that evade and distort lest I be misled.
Steady me, O Lord, as I learn to listen. Amen.”
Divine presence and help is near. Have a good day and weekend listening to the voices of those in this place.
--Ben Keckler
04.17.09
Daily Devotion - Thursday, April 16
I Need To Listen
We continue to pray through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need To Listen”. The theme of Rev. Phifer’s prayer is for God to empower him to be a better listener. Here is today’s part of the prayer.
“Help me to listen to myself,
to still small voices of conscience, to whispers of faith,
and to the soft inner humming of hope.
Help me to learn to trust myself more than I do,
trust myself not because I am wise and good,
but because I am loved and wanted.
Help me to listen to the stranger who may be an angel is disguise,
to the friend who may be lonely and lost.
Help me to listen to the angry and the outraged
who may be saying to me words I need to hear.”
Divine presence and help is near. As we see Dr. Phifer’s requests simply stated, may each of us find our conversation with God a time of simply identifying the help we need to maintain the quiet center of our lives. A listening Creator can enable us to be better listeners. Have a good day.
--Ben Keckler
04.16.09
We continue to pray through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need To Listen”. The theme of Rev. Phifer’s prayer is for God to empower him to be a better listener. Here is today’s part of the prayer.
“Help me to listen to myself,
to still small voices of conscience, to whispers of faith,
and to the soft inner humming of hope.
Help me to learn to trust myself more than I do,
trust myself not because I am wise and good,
but because I am loved and wanted.
Help me to listen to the stranger who may be an angel is disguise,
to the friend who may be lonely and lost.
Help me to listen to the angry and the outraged
who may be saying to me words I need to hear.”
Divine presence and help is near. As we see Dr. Phifer’s requests simply stated, may each of us find our conversation with God a time of simply identifying the help we need to maintain the quiet center of our lives. A listening Creator can enable us to be better listeners. Have a good day.
--Ben Keckler
04.16.09
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, April 15
I Need To Listen
This week we are praying through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need to Listen.” The theme of Rev. Phifer’s prayer is for God to empower him to be a better listener. Improving our listening, improves our caregiving of others in our life. Here is another part of the prayer.
“Lord, this is a shouting world.
There are voices of rage and of protest.
There are voices of defiance and of contempt.
How carefully I sift out the shouting, ignore the screaming.
Make me listen, O God, I pray.
You are the Creator of us all, and sometimes the voices of anger carry messages from you.
Enable me to be a listener, I ask. For in listening I may find direction and guidance.”
Listen to all the voices, even the shouts and the screams. Be open to finding messages even there. God bless you.
--Ben Keckler
04.15.09
This week we are praying through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need to Listen.” The theme of Rev. Phifer’s prayer is for God to empower him to be a better listener. Improving our listening, improves our caregiving of others in our life. Here is another part of the prayer.
“Lord, this is a shouting world.
There are voices of rage and of protest.
There are voices of defiance and of contempt.
How carefully I sift out the shouting, ignore the screaming.
Make me listen, O God, I pray.
You are the Creator of us all, and sometimes the voices of anger carry messages from you.
Enable me to be a listener, I ask. For in listening I may find direction and guidance.”
Listen to all the voices, even the shouts and the screams. Be open to finding messages even there. God bless you.
--Ben Keckler
04.15.09
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