Staying in touch with the source of our call is not a case of dialing into eternity. It is, however, a case of engaging in the practices that make us sensitive to eternity’s addressing us.
The danger for clergy is that the very practices that are provided for us to listen to God are also the practices that we use professionally on behalf of others. Because we are frequently asked to pray for others or pray in a worship service, it is easy to forget that we also need to take time to pray as a petitioner who seeks to hear God address him or her personally. How often have you set aside time solely for the purpose of listening to God speak to you about your life.
How would you go about that? First, I think you need to deliberately set aside time in a safe place where you don’t have to be conscious of anything around you. You may have a place in your church or at home where you won’t be disturbed. The problem is that those are the two places where you not only may be disturbed but also the places you are most likely to notice things that need to be done.
Consider a couple of alternate possibilities. One is to find a neighboring church that wouldn’t mind you making use of their chapel or sanctuary. Or, as you are making hospital calls, carve out some time to make use of their chapel.
It may take some practice and even some counsel from a spiritual advisor, but learn how to pray in a manner that opens you to the spirit of God. This may be a centering type of prayer or it may be a meditative form of journaling or some other form. The focus is on presenting yourself before God without expectation. Trust that God may want to speak to you deep within your spirit and only later will you realize that you have been addressed.
Trust that prayer is God’s gift to you and engage in it outside of your professional responsibilities. Do it regularly enough that it becomes a habit.
