Hear His Voice
By Stassi Cramm, Presiding Bishop and member of First Presidency
The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. -John 10:3-4 NRSV
I spend much time driving to ministry assignments alone. One night I was traveling in a snowstorm across Iowa. I called the people with whom I would be staying to ask about road conditions. They said they thought I could make the trip but to take it slow. I was too proud to say I was scared to drive it alone in the storm, so I headed out.
As I left the highway to make my trek across the rural roads, I called my husband. His voice reassured me. We didn’t talk too much as I was concentrating on the road. At one point, my car fishtailed, and I yelped as I recovered control. He calmly asked if I was still on the road. I said yes. He let me know that he was tracking my cell phone, so if I had trouble he could send help. It turned out to be a difficult drive, but talking to my husband made it less stressful.
Life is often a chaotic journey. It is reassuring to know there is a Good Shepherd who cares for us and knows us by name. It is uplifting to hear a familiar voice, especially when life is difficult. Sometimes we “hear” the Good Shepherd’s voice as an internal presence with us. Sometimes we hear it through the familiar voice of family or friends. Spiritual practices help us develop our “spiritual ears” so we are better equipped to hear and recognize the Good Shepherd’s voice.
Prayer Phrase
Spirit, now live in me.
Spiritual Practice
Breathe deeply and enter a few minutes of silence. Be attentive to where you sense new life emerging in you. Search your memories of the previous day. When did you notice the sacredness of life in surprising places or forms in the world around you?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
