Week 6: Chapter 5 — Positioned to Hear

1.Shirer uses the contrast between Mary and Martha in Luke 10 as an illustration of two postures before God. Martha is busy, stressed, and distracted — even by good things. Mary is seated at Jesus' feet, listening. Which posture more accurately describes your current spiritual life? What would it look like to shift toward Mary's posture without abandoning your responsibilities?

2.Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still and know that I am God." Shirer argues that stillness is not merely the absence of noise but the active orientation of our whole being toward God. What is the most significant obstacle to stillness in your life right now — and is it primarily external (circumstances) or internal (anxiety, distraction, busyness of the mind)?

3.Habakkuk 2:1 shows the prophet literally taking a posture — stationing himself at the watchtower, waiting expectantly for God to speak. What does intentional expectation look like in your prayer life? Is there a difference between hoping God might speak and actively expecting that He will?