Listening leads to hope

Listening with the heart is something to which we can all aspire.

Sandy Davis has taken it to a higher level.

As a clerk in the mailroom at PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center, Sandy works in one of the humming hubs of the hospital.

Countless numbers of people stop by every day—some to just say “hi” while others share a bit more. That’s when Sandy’s gift kicks in and she listens deeply—especially to those who are going through tough times. She also offers prayers of support and encouragement.

It was Sandy’s belief in the power of prayer that prompted her to start the God is Listening prayer chain on Facebook in 2015.

She made it simple to post prayer requests and she follows up personally on each post to check in and say “how are things going?” or see what can be done to help.

At last count, more than 380 members have joined the God is Listening public group, which is active with numerous prayers, praise reports, photos, encouraging notes and more.

As one prayer-chain member shared:

I have personally benefitted from the group. My son was in the critical care unit and hospital for an extended stay and was knocking on Heaven's door. The support I received during that time was heartfelt and priceless to me. It lifted me up when I was feeling down.

It had a profound effect on us to know we were not alone during a very hard time. I've seen many others given hope because of the God Is Listening prayer chain.

This mom isn’t the only one who feels this way.

God is Listening has become a community of people who embrace the truth of Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

And it all started with a listening heart.