Recently, at work, I’ve noticed a team member with a particular habit in their communication that I believe holds a valuable lesson for us all.

Picture this: we’re in a meeting, collaborating to find solutions and make progress on our project. We’re preparing for the tasks ahead. Then it happens.  He speaks. I’ve started to dread hearing this person’s voice because, when he speak, it’s clear he doesn’t grasp an important principle of conversation. He says everything on his mind without pausing or transitioning between topics, overwhelming the rest of us. When he finally stop, if you manage to remember half of what he said and try to respond, he gives you just a few moments before interrupting you. If you interrupt him to get a word in before his long explanation ends, he calls you out, yet he readily interrupts you. Needless to say, it’s frustrating being in a meeting with this person because they’re giving a speech, not engaging in a conversation or working session.

My point isn’t to complain about him or his habit but to highlight a mistake I now recognize in myself by observing his behavior. I considered how his actions made others feel and why it wasn’t helpful. This led to a revelation and a new perspective on prayer.

Am I treating God in prayer the same way this person treats us in meetings? Do I just give a speech, focusing only on what I need to share, asking and saying without seeing it as an opportunity not only to be heard but also to listen? Prayers aren’t eloquent speeches or uninterrupted sermonettes that we think God needs to hear. They’re not lists of instructions or long monologues without pause. There are moments of speaking, but there should also be moments of listening.

Prayer is a conversation, not a speech. Am I leaving room to hear from the Lord? Am I communicating with my actions that I value what He has to say to me?  A better way would be that when we pray, we should share one point, one thought, and then breathe.  This will give the Lord space to speak. I know what you’re thinking: God will speak to me? Yes, He does. He longs to pour into you, bringing to mind scriptures, songs, and sometimes whispering into your spirit. But how will you hear Him if you don’t give Him space and quiet to speak?

How often have I rushed ahead and interrupted God’s quiet whispers? What about you? Have you treated prayer as a speech, feeling the need to tell God everything? He already knows what you need, what you want to say, what you’re thinking. It’s us who don’t know what He wants to share with us. I’ve heard it said that we have two ears and one mouth so that we should listen more than we speak. Our approach to prayer should change. We should share a small portion of our thoughts or needs, then wait and be quiet, giving God room to speak, guide, and remind us of truths we need to remember. Perhaps the strength that comes from waiting on the Lord is found in the space we give Him to whisper, minister, and guide as we wait on Him in prayer. We should be careful not to act as if only God needs to hear what we have to say. We’re not there in prayer just to unload on the Lord. We shouldn’t interrupt Him and miss His calls and whispers by rushing forward and only saying what we think. Yes, we need to pray effectively, remembering that it’s not just us speaking to God but an opportunity for Him to speak to us.

As we prepare for what’s ahead in our day, the next moment, and the next hours, as we contemplate and carry all our tasks, responsibilities, and burdens, let’s converse with the One who holds it all, the One who can guide us. Let our prayer be, “Speak, Lord, I’m listening.”

Today, I challenge you to pray as you perhaps have never prayed before. Speak less and listen more. Don’t interrupt and rush ahead, missing out on His gentle whispers. Find strength as you wait on Him, allowing Him to minister healing and peace in your heart, mind, and body through conversation with your Savior today. Don’t make the mistake of the innkeeper or my well-intended coworker by leaving no room for Jesus. Make space for Him, even in prayer.