Listening ear, Closed mouth...

As a minister, I have found that people will tell me things they would not tell others. I sometimes give them encouragement with the word or sometimes we pray immediately.
There have been other times where I had nothing to say. It use to bother me, because I was feeling as though I was failing those I did not have a word or prayer for.
But I have learned, not everybody want or need a word or prayer, they want a listening ear.
A listening ear and a closed mouth. (I need to repeat that) A listening ear and a closed mouth.
They do not want a scripture, prayer, and they do not need you to tell another person about their concern. When someone entrust you with the concerns of their life, DO NOT become a listening ear and a runny mouth. 
I find it to be an honor that they see that in me. They know I will give it to Jesus and keep it moving. I recognize the only person that can solve their issues/concerns is Jesus. I am an intercessor, not the solution. 
If God allows someone to come to you and tell you all about their concern, thank God, then move as the Spirit of God would have you to move. It may be a prayer, or scripture, or it could be silence. He will direct you.  
​
​Be a listening ear and a closed mouth.
​James 5:14-16, Luke 22:32, Matthew 18:19-20,