05/20/2025. The focus of St. James Presbyterian Church’s weekly 30-minute Prayer Break Gathering is based on one of the scriptures of our PCUSA Daily Lectionary, Luke 8.4-15. Today will be focusing our thoughts on verses 4c, 11b and 15.

Meditation: Listen So That You May See
Just the other day, I overheard some laughter and a comment that struck me with both humor and truth: “Hold on—I need to put on my glasses so I can hear you better!” It’s something many of us can relate to as we age. Strangely enough, it works—we focus more intently, filtering out distractions and tuning in with greater clarity.
It made me think: isn’t that what Jesus does with parables? He invites us to see more clearly by asking us to listen more deeply.
Parables are Jesus’ way of storytelling—not to hand us simple moral lessons, but to draw us into mystery. These stories aren’t puzzles to solve; they are invitations to perceive with the heart, to discern truth through lived experience. As with the wisdom of many tribal cultures, parables are told not to explain, but to open space—space for the Spirit to speak to each of us, uniquely and personally.
Jesus says, “I speak in parables, so that looking they may not perceive, and listening they may not understand.” On the surface, that seems like a paradox. Why would we be called to look, if not to see? Why listen, if not to understand?
But spiritually, it makes perfect sense.
“Let anyone with ears to hear, listen!” Jesus calls us to listen not just with our ears, but with the Spirit. When we listen that way—quieting the noise, softening our hearts—the truth of the parable becomes clear not just in our minds, but in our living. Sometimes, if we metaphorically close our eyes while listening, we begin to see what Jesus is really showing us.
In one particular parable, Christ likens us to soil, inviting us to prepare ourselves to receive the seed of the Word. He is the gardener, tending to us, cultivating growth. The seed takes root, and in time—through grace—we bear fruit.
Is this meditation a definitive interpretation of that parable? Not at all. It isn’t meant to be. Rather, it’s an invitation—a reminder—that when we truly listen, God reveals new insights in different moments, in various circumstances, and in unexpected ways.
That’s how powerful the Word is. That’s how present God is.
God has a word for every situation. And in every moment of prayer, God plants within us the fruit of the Spirit—a quiet power that can transform every circumstance.
So listen closely. And you just might begin to see.
Close your eyes and listen to what the Spirit is showing you to pray for today. What do you see?  What prayers do you bring forward?

Rev. Derrick

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