Do You Hear This Enough?
Lately, I’ve been taking a few minutes to sit with a nice, steaming bowl of soup, and read a book on my lunch breaks. Trying to be more intentional than just sitting at my desk and eating as I work. It seems counter-intuitive, but taking breaks actually makes you more productive. Did you know that? While you might lose the minutes, you actually accomplish more when you’re finished, because your body is refueled, re-energized, and your mind has had a few minutes to rest. It’s amazing what a difference it makes in my day!
While waiting for my soup to cool yesterday, I read something perfectly thought-provoking to share with you today.
“It’s interesting to note that Luther argued that Scripture was meant to be heard with the ears more than read with the eyes. Our hearts are most transformed and challenged, he thought, when we hear the Word of God. Science has proven the validity of Luther’s insight. When we hear Scripture read, our minds are more active than when we are just reading with our eyes.”
~Gary Thomas, Sacred Pathways-Discover your soul’s path to God
This past summer I spoke to a local moms group here. In preparing for my talk, I was working to memorize part of 1 Peter, and I kept saying it out loud over an over in rehearsing my speech. I have to agree with Luther. Hearing the Word brings it to life in a whole new way. And SAYING it? Reading it out loud? For me there’s even another layer there… feeling the words rumble to life and flow out of my vocal chords. Hearing them in my own ears. It’s really amazing.
So… What do you think? Do you HEAR the Word enough?
Something to think about…
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This post blessed me! Your blog is truly amazing.
Oh my – since I’m the first link, I suppose you’re the post immediately before mine!
I absolutely agree that hearing the Word touches a part of us that simply reading it with the eyes does not. Speaking those words really does bring them to “life”.
~Peace,
LuAnne
I so have to agree with this! During my prayer time I sometimes feel like I just cannot get the Scripture I’m reading so I have to read it out loud and immediately it feels like it touches deep inside me. It is amazing how big a difference reading out loud can make.
I agree reading Scripture out load makes a huge difference. I often find myself reading out loud when it doesn’t seem to be sinking in. Love the quote too.
good post. Had to smile since I am reading Thomas’ book too!
Thanks for sharing that quote! I can truly relate to this. I usually do not open the Bible during the church service because I feel that I get more out of the reading when I just listen to it read out loud. I will have to practice that more at home as I am doing my daily reading.
Thanks for hosting the blog hop!
The more ways we soak in the Word of God, the better!
Good point! Seeing, hearing, writing, and reading aloud the Word can all help to hide it in our hearts. Thanks for the great post & for hosting, & God bless!
Great thought about hearing scripture. The best reminder for me today, though, was your reminder to take breaks. I love herbal tea but get too busy and forget to take a break. I stepped away from the computer and made myself a cup of herbal tea. Thanks so much, Michelle!
Thanks for hosting the Link-up! Thanks also for your encouragement in the Word! God bless and have a wonderful week!
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