Before there is preaching, there is listening. Before there is explanation, there is reception. Scripture never presents God’s servants as men who speak first. They are men who are addressed.

That order is easy to reverse, especially in ministry. Sermons must be prepared. Words must be spoken. Decisions must be made. And quietly, the soul can slip into a posture where speaking becomes instinctive, and listening becomes functional.

The Pattern of Scripture

From the opening words of the Bible, God speaks, and His people respond. Creation itself is formed by divine speech. The prophets are commissioned only after they have heard the word of the Lord. Even the apostles are told to wait, to listen, and to receive before they are sent.

This pattern is not incidental. It is formative. God shapes His servants by placing them under His voice before He places words on their lips.

“Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.”

Listening is not a preliminary step to ministry. It is the ongoing posture of faithful ministry.

When Listening Is Rushed

Listening is often the first thing sacrificed when demands increase. We still read Scripture, but we read with an agenda. We still pray, but we pray with one eye on the clock. The heart is present, but only partially.

Over time, this shapes us. We become efficient handlers of Scripture, but slower hearers of God’s voice. The Bible remains central, yet our posture toward it has subtly shifted.

Scripture warns us gently here. “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak” (James 1:19). That command is not only about conversation with others. It reflects a deeper spiritual wisdom.

Recovering a Listening Heart

Listening before speaking does not require long hours or elaborate methods. It requires intention. It means opening Scripture without immediately asking how it will be used. It means allowing the text to address us before we attempt to address others.

This kind of listening is often quiet and unimpressive. It does not produce immediate results. But it forms a preacher who speaks from submission rather than urgency.

When the Word is received patiently, it reshapes tone as well as content. It teaches us when to press, when to wait, and when to be silent.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, teach me to listen before I speak. Still my hurry. Quiet my inner noise. Let Your Word have time to dwell in me, not only to pass through me. Shape my heart under Your voice, so that when I do speak, it is with humility, clarity, and trust. Amen.