Listening Deeply

Mar 3

Written By KC Underground

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Lent 2026, Week 3

Scripture Readings

1 Kings 19:9–13

Psalm 131

John 10:2–5

Opening Introduction

As we let go of what crowds our lives, space begins to open. Space alone, however, is not the goal. Lent invites us to also ask, “What are we listening to?” Perhaps, more importantly, “Who are we listening to?” As we release distractions in our lives, we can once again discern to what and who we are listening.

We live in a world full of noise—constant input, opinions, notifications, alerts, expectations, and demands. Even when we slow our pace, the noise often remains inside us. Lent invites us into a different posture of attentive listening rather than rushing to speak. Here, we can simply become present to God.

Listening deeply is not a technique. It is a posture of trust. It is learning to quiet our inner world enough to notice the God who is already present and already speaking.

Reflection

Scripture consistently reminds us that God’s voice is not usually loud or forceful. When Elijah encounters God on the mountain, it is not in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire, but in the sound of sheer silence. God speaks. He does not shout. He does not need to do so. His voice alone requires attentiveness.

Listening deeply often reveals how uncomfortable we are with silence. When the noise fades, we become aware of our thoughts, anxieties, longings, and fears. This can feel unsettling. But Lent teaches us that silence is not emptiness, but a space where God meets us. Psalm 131 describes a soul that has learned to be quiet, like a child resting with its mother. This is not passivity; it is trust.

Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd whose sheep know His voice. That kind of knowing is formed over time. It comes from proximity, familiarity, and attentiveness. Lent invites us to remain close enough to recognize God’s voice, whether we find that in Scripture, prayer, quiet nudges, gentle convictions, or any number of invitations from the Spirit throughout our day.

Fasting supports this work of listening. When we fast, we reduce external noise and internal clutter. We allow hunger to remind us to return to the one who provides our daily bread. We create room to notice what we usually drown out. Listening deeply is part of the slow work of God, shaping us to hear and respond with trust as apprentices of Jesus.

Consider

What voices most shape your thoughts and decisions right now?
What makes silence uncomfortable for you?
Where might God be inviting you to listen more closely?
What practices help you notice God’s presence throughout the day?

Prayer Prompts

Use these prompts to guide your prayer this week:

Practice silence.
Set aside a few minutes each day to sit quietly before God. Begin by noticing your breath. When thoughts arise, do not push them away. Gently return your attention to God’s presence. Resist the urge to fill the space with words or requests.
Return to the mountain with Elijah.
Read 1 Kings 19:9–13 slowly. Notice the contrast between noise and silence. Ask God to help you recognize where you are expecting Him to speak loudly, and where He may already be speaking quietly.
Name the loud voices.
Bring before God the voices that most often shape your inner world—fear, pressure, comparison, urgency, expectation, or self-criticism. Name them without judgment and ask God to quiet what does not come from Him.
Listen with Scripture.
Read Psalm 131 slowly, more than once if needed. Pay attention to a word or phrase that stands out. Sit with it without analyzing it. Ask the Spirit what He might be inviting you to receive rather than understand.
Let fasting support listening.
As hunger, restlessness, or desire arises, pause and ask: What am I noticing right now? Allow the discomfort to draw your attention toward God rather than away from Him. Practice listening before responding.

Intercede (Corporate Prayer for the Network)

Pray that the Kansas City Underground would become a people who listen well to God and to one another. Ask the Spirit to quiet our collective noise and sharpen our attentiveness. Pray that our microchurches, teams, and families would create space to listen for God’s leading together, trusting that He speaks with wisdom, clarity, and care.