He pointed them back to the issue they were discussing together

He referred to his earlier words about a short absence and later seeing him again

He said those earlier words had nothing to do with the present conversation

He changed the topic to something unrelated

Name the issue gently and ask for clarity

Assume the other person should already know what you mean

Answer quickly without checking what was meant

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I admit that I have sinned and that I need your mercy. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my sin and trust you as my Lord and Savior. Even when I do not understand everything, I want to belong to you and follow you. Forgive me, make me new, and lead my life. Amen.

Come to Jesus

Father, revive your church so we notice the questions people carry before they can voice them. Give us patient ears, clear speech, and humble hearts that answer with truth and grace. Keep us from rushing past confusion, and make us a people who help others find your Son, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Make Your Church Attentive and Gentle

Thank you, Lord, that Jesus noticed the need before anyone could say it aloud. Thank you that you see confusion, hesitation, and half-finished questions, and that you respond with care.

Thank You for Seeing the Unspoken

Name the unclear part to God, ask him for patience, and ask for one honest question that will help you listen better before you answer.

Pray Before You Answer

Pray for someone who is unsure, hesitant, or afraid to ask. Ask God to give that person courage, a safe listener, and clarity in the middle of confusion.

For People Who Are Still Sorting It Out

Lord, train me to notice what others are trying to ask, to listen with patience, and to answer without rushing. Keep me from assuming, dismissing, or speaking too quickly, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Teach Me to Listen Well

⸀ἔγνω{E-gno###EH-gnoh###(He) knew} Ἰησοῦς{ee-ee-SOOS###ee-ee-SOOS###Jesus} ὅτι{O-ti###OH-tee###that} ἤθελον{EE-the-lon###EE-theh-lohn###they wanted} αὐτὸν{af-TON###ahf-TOHN###him} ἐρωτᾶν,{e-ro-TAN###eh-roh-TAHN###to ask} καὶ{KE###keh###and} εἶπεν{EE-pen###EE-pehn###he said} αὐτοῖς·{af-TEES###ahf-TEES###to them} Περὶ{pe-REE###peh-REE###About} τούτου{TOO-tou###TOO-too###this} ζητεῖτε{zee-TEE-te###zee-TEE-teh###you are asking} μετʼ{met###meht###with} ἀλλήλων{al-LEE-lon###ahl-LEE-lohn###one another} ὅτι{O-ti###OH-tee###that} εἶπον·{EE-pon###EE-pohn###I said} Μικρὸν{mee-KRON###mee-KROHN###a little while} καὶ{KE###keh###and} οὐ{oo###oo###not} θεωρεῖτέ{the-o-REE-TE###theh-oh-REE-teh###you see} με{me###meh###me} καὶ{KE###keh###and} πάλιν{PA-lin###PAH-lihn###again} μικρὸν{mee-KRON###mee-KROHN###a little while} καὶ{KE###keh###and} ὄψεσθέ{OP-se-STHE###OHP-seh-STHEH###you will see} με;{me###meh###me}

John 16:19 — FormalTAB

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