April 12, 2005
by Daphne Mack

How does God Listen? is a new book by Kay Lindahl geared towards opening up conversations about God with children three to six years old.

Through the use of vibrant, colorful photographs and simple text, the book focuses on helping children explore how God is always present in their lives and is always listening.

Lindahl, founder of the Listening Center in Laguna Niguel, California, said she drew inspiration for her latest effort from her previous books about adult listening – The Sacred Art of Listening and Practicing the Sacred Art of Listening – as well as from people asking her to do "something for children."

She said her publishers came up with the title and asked if she was willing to address the topic. "I said absolutely, so it was good timing."

Lindahl, a lay Eucharistic minister at Faith Episcopal Church in California has also been "engaged in interfaith work for 13 years." She said she has practiced centering prayer, the prayer of silence, since 1991 and that it has been an important part of dialoguing with others of different belief systems "without debate."

"Centering prayer is listening to God and dialogue is all about listening to others," she said. "I think that when people are really listening to one another, there is a presence there besides the two people and I would call that presence holy or sacred or spirit...that's why for me listening is a spiritual practice that brings me closer to God."

Lindahl said that to listen, one must "really cultivate silence." However, in our culture, people are not at ease with silence. "I think that practicing silence is one of the primary practices that one can take on to become a better listener."

Lindahl will lead a workshop on Listening and Diversity at the International Listening Association's annual convention April 16 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. For information call 800-ILA-4505.

The Listening Center was founded with the mission of exploring the sacred nature of listening. Visit http://www.sacredlistening.com/ for more information.

To Read: How Does God Listen? By Kay Lindahl (Skylights Paths Publishing, Woodstock, Vermont, 2005, $8.99.)

From the publisher: How can we know that God listens to us? This lively book helps children use all of their senses to explore how God is always present in their everyday lives, and is always listening. Using simple, everyday examples to which children can relate, How Does God Listen? helps children develop a direct and personal understanding of God. How Does God Listen? teaches children – and the rest of us – that God is everywhere, and that the world is full of wonder.

To Read: Practicing the Sacred Art of Listening: a Guide to Enrich Your Relationships and Kindle Your Spiritual Life by Kay Lindahl (Skylights Paths Publishing, Woodstock, Vermont, 2003, 155 pages; $16.95.)

From the publisher: It happens at work and at home, with strangers and close friends, in heated debates and in quiet conversations – you hear someone speaking, but often you don't truly listen. This book offers practical, easy-to-follow advice and exercises to enhance your capacity to listen in a spirit-filled way.

To Read: the Sacred Art of Listening by Kay Lindahl (Skylights Paths Publishing, Woodstock, Vermont, 2002, 140 pages; $16.95)

From the publisher: The Sacred Art of Listening guides you through forty practices of deep listening – to our Source, to ourselves, and to each other. Inspiring text and contemplative artwork combine to communicate the three essential qualities of deep listening-silence, reflection, and presence. They demonstrate that the key to healthy relationships and spiritual transformation can be as basic as practicing the art of listening.

Kay Lindahl is founder of the Listening Center in Laguna Niguel, California, active in the interfaith movement, mother of five, and grandmother of nine. She is also author of The Sacred Art of Listening: Forty Reflections for Cultivating a Spiritual Practice and Practicing the Sacred Art of Listening: A Guide to Enrich Your Relationships and Kindle Your Spiritual Life, two popular books about listening for adults.

Episcopal News Service
Daphne Mack is staff writer for Episcopal News Service.