Thursday 9 July 2026

Psalm 71:17-24

Background
Many of us will have experienced a meeting where so many people wanted to contribute that the main speaker was almost drowned out. Side conversations begin, opinions are shared, and before long the very point being made can be lost in the noise.

It would appear that this is an age-old problem, and our reading today suggests that this is going on while Jesus is speaking. The people are discussing Jesus amongst themselves. They know where he's from. They know his family. They are convinced they understand who he is. So much time is spent in debate and discussion that they fail to hear the deeper truth Jesus is revealing, and they begin to grumble about what he is saying.

Jesus responds by taking the conversation in a different direction. Rather than arguing with them, he speaks about the work of God the Father. He reminds them that people come to him because they have been drawn by God. Jesus then speaks the words: "Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me." (v. 45) Jesus' words suggest that there is a difference between hearing and learning.

The challenge is not whether we hear God's words, but whether we allow them to teach us. It is possible to hear words without really listening to them. It is possible to listen without allowing ourselves to be changed. The people around Jesus believed they already understood who he was. Their familiarity made it harder for them to hear what he was saying.

Prayer is often described as a conversation with God, yet many of us find the listening part more difficult than the speaking. We bring our requests, concerns and opinions before God, but how often do we stop and make space to sit and listen for God?

The people in the crowd were so occupied with what they thought they knew that they struggled to hear what Jesus was saying. We can often make the same mistake. Sometimes the noise around us – and within us – can make it difficult to hear God's still small voice.

This passage invites us to pause, to be still, and to listen. Prayer is not only about speaking to God; it is also about hearing and learning from God.

To Ponder:

• When you pray, how much of your time is spent speaking and how much is spent listening?
• Is there an area of your life where God may be trying to teach you something at the moment?
• What distractions, assumptions or certainties might make it difficult for you to hear God's voice?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, in the midst of the noise around us and the thoughts within us, help us to hear your voice. Teach us to be still before you and to listen with open hearts. As we pray, help us not only to speak, but also to hear and learn from you. Draw us closer to yourself and guide us in your ways. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Stuart Reed
Stuart is Acting Superintendent Minister of the South East Cornwall Methodist Circuit and will become Superintendent Minister in September 2026. He lives in Looe with his wife and their labrador. He is father to two and grandfather to one, and enjoys walking the Cornish coast. He is still conducting extensive research into where to find the best pasties and ice cream in Cornwall.