Learning to Ask

Sometimes the person beside us needs room to speak before they need an answer. “Learning to Ask” follows the example of Jesus, inviting us to slow down, ask with love, listen without steering, and leave room for grace. Part of The Learning Collection from Hearing Your Echoes of Grace. LYRICS You barely finished speaking; I knew what I would say. I reached to lift your burden And talked your tears away. I thought my quick solutions Would help your hurting mend; But you grew quiet beside me— You needed first a friend. How often have I listened With answers standing by, And missed the little tremble That told me where to try? Lord, slow my good intentions; Let patience have its part. Before I offer wisdom, Let me hear another heart. Teach me to ask with love, And stay to hear you through; To leave a little room For something brave and true. One question, gently offered, Can let the daylight in— Help someone see a doorway Where only walls have been. Lord, make me less impatient To tell them what to do. Teach me to ask with love, The way I learn from You. Beside the road, You stopped there And let the blind man speak. You asked what he was longing for; You heard the heart beneath. You gave his hope a hearing, A voice within the crowd; The need that others silenced, Your love let speak aloud. And when a man asked, “Who must I call my neighbor here?” You told of mercy kneeling Beside a stranger’s fear. Then asked which one had loved him— And turned his eyes to see: From drawing lines around my love To who my love could be. Teach me to ask with love, And stay to hear you through; To leave a little room For something brave and true. One question, gently offered, Can let the daylight in— Help someone see a doorway Where only walls have been. Lord, make me less impatient To tell them what to do. Teach me to ask with love, The way I learn from You. Let me begin with wondering, “What matters most to you?” Then hear the answer fully Before I hurry through. “You said that you feel weary— What’s hardest in your day?” Let what you share beside me Help shape what next I say. Let me reflect your meaning: “Is this what you’ve been saying?” And let the quiet linger; Some truth takes time in waiting. “What brought you to that answer? When did things go another way?” Then, “What do you notice now?” And give you room to say. I’ve hidden my opinions Inside a question’s sound, Then called it understanding When you came my way around. Forgive the subtle pushing, The need to prove I’m wise; Give me a heart that welcomes What comes as a surprise. Help me practice in the small things; Let someone tell me true: “Did you feel that I had heard you, Or was I steering you?” Let me learn from what I’m missing, Try again with gentler care; The question after your answer May find the doorway there. And Lord, when You ask questions, Let me answer honestly. Who do I believe You are? What love will You find in me? Before I search another heart, Let Yours search through my own. Teach me to walk beside them As You lead me toward home. Teach me to ask with love, And stay to hear you through; To help you name what matters And what you long to do. “What step would you choose next?” Then let that choice be yours; I’ll walk beside your courage As you try an open door. And when your eyes grow brighter At something you now see, Let me share your joy with you— Your words are teaching me. Lord, make me slow to answer And faithful, kind, and true. Teach me to ask with love, The way I learn from You. One question. Then listen. Let the quiet have its place. There may be a new beginning In the room we leave for grace.