Coaching ~ Listen & Ask the Right Questions

John H. Armstrong ===>Click headline to access complete article . . . Listening . . . The old saying is true: "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink." So good preaching can be done but good listening can still fail. The preacher must prepare and experience the force and power of truth. But the hearer must also learn to listen for the Spirit's prompting and leading. I suggest these actions will help those who listen to preaching: 1. Ask "why" questions, not just "what" questions. As you listen to the text being read listen-do not simply follow words. In fact, I suggest you listen without following in a Bible so that you develop this skill. As the sermon unfolds, ask "why" did Jesus say this, or "why" did Paul urge this action or response? You need to know the meaning of a text in order to see its significance. 2. Plan to respond to whatever it is that God reveals to you in a sermon. Pray often, "Speak Lord, your servant is listening." Take an action step and follow it up when you come to the end of a biblical sermon. 3. Make listening to the sermon an act of worship, not simply a classroom experience. Receive the Word with a spirit of gratitude, for it is God who is speaking to you. Be reminded of God's grace and his mercy toward you in Jesus Christ. Remove whatever distractions keep you from listening carefully. 4. Prepare before the sermon to listen to what God may say to you. Start your day with prayer to this end and ask God for the Spirit of revelation when you enter into a service of divine worship. Humble yourself and seek God's glory in your hearing.

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