Contemplative Bible Reading

1 Samuel 25:24 (New Living Translation)

She fell at his feet and said, “I accept all blame in this matter, my lord. Please listen to what I have to say.

In the verse, she is Abigail—a woman married to a wicked and ill-tempered man named Nabal. He is David—one day to be king, but now a war hero who has fallen out of favor with the current King Saul and is on the run.

Her request, that will save the lives of dozens of innocent persons is, “Please listen.”

How simple can a request be? How important can a request be? This is the plea of persons everyday to other persons: please listen to me. Please acknowledge that I am here.

Many years ago, I was at a church social (yes, such events still exist). A little boy was there. He wasn’t an orphan, but he came on the church bus meaning that his parents were not there and were rarely “there.” He was tossing a ball into the air. He looked at me and pleaded, “Watch me.”

His request was the same as Abigail to David. His request was the same as every person who bends their heart towards God and pours out their life: please listen.

I thank God that there is prayer. I thank God that in prayer, God listens.