RESOURCE LIBRARY
Reflections from Listening Prayer
Short reflections drawn from Chris Maguire’s book on union with Christ, the presence of the Holy Spirit, listening prayer, discernment, rest and obedience.
“We do not listen in order to reach God; we listen because we are already joined to Him.”
Listening prayer begins with the good news of union with Christ. We are not trying to cross a distance between ourselves and God. Through Christ, communion with God has already been opened. This reflection invites you to consider how prayer changes when it begins with nearness rather than striving.
“Practising the presence of God is, quite simply, recognising and responding to the Spirit who already abides within us.”
What might change if awareness of God’s presence became part of ordinary life — while working, travelling, resting or speaking with others? This reflection explores attention as a gentle response to the Spirit’s abiding presence.
“Rest, therefore, becomes the atmosphere in which we hear God clearly.”
Listening Prayer presents rest not as disengagement, but as relational trust. In a noisy and anxious life, stillness can help us receive God’s peace and discern with greater humility. Use this reflection as an invitation to slow down and attend to Christ.