Excerpt from Hebrews 2:1-4

"Therefore, we must pay greater attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it."

Reflection by Ron Buford

This text reminds us to be attentive to God's Word as revealed to us by the ancient biblical forebears, by Jesus and the apostles, revealed to us by our Reformed ancestors, UCC forebears, and other divinely inspired leaders. We are also attentive through prayer, Bible study, singing, Nature, study of science, thinking, meditation, exercise, loving and social action. In all these and so much more, God is still speaking,

If we truly believe God is still speaking, should we not leave room in our prayer time for God to speak? Thomas Merton said, "Prayer is the hospitality of the soul entertaining the most high." Does the hospitable host not prepare for an honored guest? When the honored guest arrives, do we not listen intently?

In dialogue with our guest, we listen intently with the goal of coming to understanding of the Holy other in our midst. As we question, God answers . . . and sometimes God asks questions of us. Conversation continues in community, with Bible reading, by continued praying, driving the car, trusting the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us to deeper understanding.

Are we missing God's power in the world to bring about change because we do not have time for these conversations? Are we too busy for conversation with God? Can we afford to neglect so great a power to save our lives, our world?

Prayer

Gracious God, I have been drifting away. Please help me be a good host to The Divine Presence throughout this day. Slow me down enough to seize opportunities for quality time with you. By the power of the Holy Spirit, help me see, hear, understand what you want to share with me this day. I'm listening, Amen.

About the Author Ron Buford is Interim Minister for Discipleship at Old South Church in Boston, Massachusetts. The former coordinator of the UCC's God is still speaking campaign, Ron consults with UCC conferences and churches across the nation and appears in the DVD-based progressive theology series, Living the Questions 2.0.