Listen, and hear my voice; Pay attention, and hear my speech. Isaiah 28:23
More than a decade ago, I participated in an spirituality class called “Faith before Faithfulness.” Six people from Edwards Church committed to five meetings and a retreat, focusing on spiritual practices designed to open us to a deeper relationship with God.
Our homework after each session involved journaling. One week we were asked to write a dialog with God–or with Jesus or the Holy Spirit. I resisted the assignment. It felt arrogant, even blasphemous. How dare I put words in God’s mouth? It seemed to be a set-up for our natural inclination to use God to justify whatever we are already thinking.
I was co-facilitator, though, so I felt I needed to try the assignment. I decided it would be okay as long as I wrote in pencil, so I could erase it quickly if it felt too presumptuous.
I sat down with my paper, pencil and a big eraser, and I wrote. What appeared on the paper astounded me. The words I wrote in the “voice” of Jesus were not things I had already been thinking; in fact they challenged me more deeply than I wanted to be challenged.
I began to see the wisdom in this technique. God speaks to us in many ways–through scripture, through other people, and also from deep within our selves. This technique is an invitation to listen for the voice of God within.
Over the years I have returned to the technique periodically, especially when I feel stuck. I still do it in pencil–as a way of reminding myself that my perception of Jesus’ voice within is limited. I am almost always surprised by what emerges in the dialog–insight, challenge and comfort from deep within.
Try it sometime….
God, we hear your voice in so many ways. Help us listen to how you speak to us from deep within our selves. Amen.