3/20/2019   9 Comments (at the bottom of this reflection.)

Today's question:
"Why do you not understand what I am saying?"

From John 8:

42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me. 43 Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word.  

Reflection from Walt Dibbern

I live in noise.

The internet, email, my cellphone, cable this, cable that. At work. My home. My family.

I write this reflection on an instrument of noise: the Microsoft Word Program on my computer; you, my reader, are reading these words on an instrument of noise: the web browser on your phone or computer. Even though we grow weary, noise has become a thread woven into our every hour.

“It is because you cannot hear My word.” 

I want –no, I thirst, I crave-- to hear your word, Lord Jesus. I want/have to/must understand what you are saying. Your word is the music of life. Of love.

So, please hear this prayer, Lord:
Hold me close and whisper to me the truth, for I know your voice is soft, like the light in my garden when the day breaks and before the sun rises. Instruct me in your ways, so that I may turn my soul towards you, and everything else that is me, let it turn away from the noise. I will listen Lord, and I will hear your word. I am in your hands.
​
Amen.

Comments

Janice Weber
Wed, Mar 20, 2019 at 11:13 am
Thank you. I too want to hear and will pray this prayer throughout the day. Amen

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Larry Maloney
Wed, Mar 20, 2019 at 10:06 am
What a great prayer, Walt. Yes, we're all struggling against the noise bombarding us from all angles. Lent is truly a great time to step back from the noise, to eliminate the clutter, to pay attention to what matters.

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Jim Chrzan
Wed, Mar 20, 2019 at 9:27 am
wow! this should go viral! More noise! What a civilization we have become. Really made me reflect, Walt.

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Mary/Louise Shakespeare/Muench
Wed, Mar 20, 2019 at 1:42 pm
Thank you for those soft beautiful words that make so much sense. I appreciate your truthfully spoken reflection.

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Kay Maloney
Wed, Mar 20, 2019 at 2:10 pm
Wow Walt, Reading your prayer made me cry.
Tears of joy, because it was so heartfelt. It reminds us that Jesus is right next to us.

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Renee Edmondson
Thu, Mar 21, 2019 at 7:51 am
What a refreshing reflection! I can relate to all the noise and also the craving for the Holy Spirit in its midst. Your creative approach drew me in and your prayer was a perfect end. Thank you. 

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Anne Cowin
Wed, Mar 20, 2019 at 9:57 pm
This reminds me of Jesus calming the seas by saying "Peace, be still." I need to remember to be still, at times, and rely and trust in the peace of Christ to renew me.

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Darneather Murph-Heath
Thu, Mar 21, 2019 at 2:45 pm
Thank you Walt for this reflection; much needed.

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Christy Piszkiewicz
Sat, Mar 23, 2019 at 4:38 pm
" I hear " what your saying! Dear friend. Thanks for the reflection

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About Today's Author

Walt Dibbern was a Methodist all his life, but he didn’t realize it until four years ago when he joined FUMCDP.

He has lived in Des Plaines forever. Walt was raised in a house near the woods north of town, on a little country lane. He has loved times on our river then and now. His favorite possession is a yellow canoe. 

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