The Tree of Life is located in the very depth of our own soul, and of the rich, abundant fruit that grows and ripens to the fullest perfections, the most life-giving, is Love... The Divine Principle of Love may be used to eliminate every sorrow, every infirmity, every harsh condition and every lack that harasses humanity... With wings outstretched, Love searches out the arid spots of the human heart, the waste places of life, and redeems humanity and transforms the world.
When we are able to accept being accepted, able to receive the loving, listening presence of God b oth embodied in others and hidden in their hearts, we experience God as Love, resulting spontaneously in gratitude, praise and joy. I mean an upwelling of heart-breaking, heart-opening thankfulness and joy that such Love could be, that we could be in it, that it could be in us, that we are all in it together.
~ from LISTENBING SPIRITUALITY, Vol. 1 by Patricia Loring
Open, attentive listening can be a form of contemplative prayer. It can be that widest, most open form of being present and attentive, in trust that God is present with us, in expectancy that the Spirit will move in the hearts of those present and that we may be changed inwardly for the good or guided to be part of the upwelling of Life in a particular situation.
~ from LISTENING SPIRITUALITY, Vol. I by Patricia Loring
