Teach Me to Listen

When kids have questions,
they are looking to engage in conversation,
not necessarily solve the problem.

Being present, being available to talk and listen is what is essential. This is very important for parents and those who work with kids. More times than not adults would be more effective, listening to the kids, keeping quiet (not teaching!) and then asking a few good questions with lots of affirmation, “that is a great question. I can tell you have thought a lot about that.”

. . . teach me to listen, O God,
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, my caring God,
to those far from me--
the whisper of the hopeless,
the plea of the forgotten,
the cry of the anguished.

Teach me to listen, O God my Mother,
to myself.
Help me to be less afraid
to trust the voice inside --
in the deepest part of me.

Teach me to listen, Holy Spirit,
for your voice --
in busyness and in boredom,
in certainty and in doubt,
in noise and in silence.

Teach me, Lord, to listen. Amen. (adapted by John Veltri, SJ - Hearts on Fire, p30-31)