6 Table Listener Preparation Insights

Following are some preparation insights and attitudes for the Table Listener and Assistant Table Listener role from our friend Rick.

• Preparation

  • I arrive having spent time alone with the Lord asking the him to please empty me and fill me with a teachable heart and allow the Spirit to guide my every thought and action. I normally begin a day or so in advance and release all my cares and concerns completely to the Father.  I focus my mind for the next 4 days no matter what, no exceptions. I commit to the Father to forget about my distractions and ask Jesus for total focus on the men.  I beg to be, if only for this weekend a vessel of love, compassion, tenderness and trust, to love with my entire heart.  To see the men as Christ does.

• Connection

  • For me, I like to go to the cabins and tables and pray for the brothers that will occupy each.  I remember my first time and recall the peace of being able to sleep in the camp of the righteous surrounded by the Spirit of truth and love. I ask the Lord for many things for the men, but this time is precious to me as it connects me to the Spirit and the men.

• Privilege / Thankfulness

  • God has seen fit to place me at his son’s table, it is a sacred and precious honor.  I believe the men that are placed together for the weekend are there by Devine appointment.  The Lord knows what is going on in each man’s heart. He allows me the Holy privilege to be present when the most important work in this life is done, the restoration, refreshing and renewing of a Soul. Through Souly the Lord has given me, a fallen, clumsy, broken, forgiven, righteous son one more chance to show my Thanks by serving his beloved.

• Listening

  • For me God has impressed on my heart that when a man is speaking I try to never take my eyes off him. I try not to reach for a potato chip, water or anything that might convey even a hint that his words are not the most important thing happening in the world at that moment. I ask the Lord to help me hear past his face, past his words, his eyes that I might hear the heart of the man and not interfere with the work of the Spirit.  I ask the Father to give me his eyes and heart of Love.

• Facilitation

  • Through time the Lord has taught me to be comfortable with silence, thus allowing me to encourage the brothers to be comfortable with it as well. I normally reassure them they are welcome to speak if they desire or not. the Spirit has never failed to create an environment of trust, safety and love, the sharing “always” flows.  Frankly, for me God has compensated for my deficiencies as a facilitator and I spend most my time praying in my heart as each man speaks and only speak if I feel the Spirit is ok with it.  It’s just too scared a time for me to approach it any other way.

• God's Truth

  • Finally, I cling to the following scriptures for each weekend and ask the Father to burn them on my behavior:
    • Phil 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourself.
    • 1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
    • James 1:19 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger.
    • James 3:8 But no one can tame the tongue: it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.
    • Phil 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think on such things.