Listening and Relationship

Yesterday my Spiritual Formation class from The Baptist Seminary of Kentucky spent the day at the Abbey of Gethsemani.  We were fortunate to have Bro. Paul spend part of the day with us.  He said that he came to the Abbey in order to better listen for God in the silence of a contemplative place.  The Abbey is a place of silence.  In the silence one can listen for those "holy nudges."  Bro. Paul indicated that listening is critical for the developing of a relationship.  I hadn't thought of listening in that manner.  Listening is so important that the first word in the Rule of St. Benedict is "listen."  I think of listening for God so that I can get a word.  That is also crucial.  However, listening is more than just getting a word.  Listening is foundational for the developing of a relationship.  Without listening a couple's relationship will diminish.  To develop some times of silence and listen for God is important.  I may hear a word from God but, also, that act of listening helps develop and deepen that relationship with God.