The Year of Listening
Welcome to 2025: The Year of Listening.
Our focus in 2025 is to learn the sacred art of listening. Listening to God. Listening to Ourselves. Listening to Others. And Listening to the Community.
God’s invitation to listen is a gift that permeates the Scriptures. From the Shema, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5).
To the Psalms, “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer” (Psalm 61:1).
To the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock” (Matthew 7:24).
To the words the Exalted Jesus repeats to the seven churches in Revelation, “Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches” (Revelation 2-3).
God longs for us to hear, so God invites us to listen.
Bible
Study
In Isaiah 55, the prophet invites God’s people to listen: “Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live…” (Isaiah 55:3a). Isaiah extends this invitation to a people who are living in Exile.
This is a people living without hope. But even to those suffering in far-away land, Isaiah offers the promise of hope and restoration. God invites the exiles to “Come to the waters… Come to the banquet… Come to me… and listen, so that you may live…”
-Bishop Beaudoin
Council
Devotions
What follows is a 12 session collection of Monthly Devotions written by leaders from all across Northwestern Ohio and the world. These 15-20 minute devotions are ideal for Church Council, Committee Meetings, and Staff Meetings.
Each monthly devotion follows a simple rhythm: An Opening Activity, Scripture, Reflection, Discussion Questions, and a Closing Prayer.
These devotions will help you and your community grow in the sacred art of listening to God, Listening to Ourselves, Listening to Others, and Listening to the Community.
Weekly Listening Practice
For this Year of Listening, we have invited local musicians to select a song for collective reflection each month. We encourage you to explore the monthly scripture and weekly listening practices.
- Enjoy the song selection video.
- Read and reflect on the scripture that inspired the song.
- Explore weekly practices connected to the lyrics throughout your week.
- Share your experiences on social media using #YearOfListening.
These resources were designed to be inserted into parish newsletters, bulletins or posted on your refrigerator! We invite you to join us in these four unique listening practices each month!
Reading
Plan
5 MINUTES A DAY
If you’re not used to reading the Bible daily, start with this easy to use resource to read a chapter of the New Testament in 5 minutes a day. This reading plan will take you through all 260 chapters of the New Testament, one chapter per day.
5 DAYS A WEEK
Determine a time and location to spend 5 minutes a day for 5 days a week. It is best to have a consistent time and a quiet place where you can regularly dwell in God’s Word.
Book and Discussion Guide
We have selected this book to guide you and your community in exploring the practice of listening throughout the year.
It is a great resource for individual study and also excellent for groups to engage together.
Check out the discussion guide below as well.
