Turkish Coffee, the Story of Job, and Listening Prayer

A few days before Sue was set to leave her Middle Eastern home, she was walking back from the grocery store when she felt an unexpected nudge to stop by a nearby pharmacy. It was a place she often visited, where she’d formed a friendship with two employees. That evening, Aida, one of those employees, was on shift and greeted Sue warmly. She invited her to sit behind the counter, and together they shared Turkish coffee during the final half-hour before closing.

As customers came and went, their conversation turned to Sue’s work—helping people find healing from trauma through the story of Job. Curious, Aida mentioned verses about Job from the Qur’an and then asked, “What does the Bible say about him?”

Sue began sharing Job’s story. Partway through, the other young women who worked at the pharmacy joined in. Aida, eager to involve her colleagues, summarized what Sue had shared so far before letting her continue. This thrilled Sue, knowing that Aida’s retelling would help her remember the story better.

Although Job’s story isn’t the one Sue typically starts with when introducing spiritual truths, it resonated deeply with Aida. She even helped Sue explain parts of it more clearly in Turkish, which enriched the conversation.

As their discussion wound down, the women grew curious about Sue’s life. “How did you end up living here?” they asked.

Sue explained how she had prayed for direction before applying to various opportunities overseas. Then she turned the question back to them: “Have you ever prayed to make a decision?”

Aida nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, prayer is what led me to this neighborhood.”

“Me too!” Sue exclaimed, then shared how “listening prayer” had guided her to her current apartment. (Listening prayer involves inviting God to speak to a person or group, often about a specific question or topic, as they wait silently in His presence. Anything heard is tested to be sure it’s consistent with Scripture.)

 Intrigued, Aida leaned closer. “Can you teach me how to do listening prayer?”

“Of course,” Sue replied with a smile. “When would you like to practice?”

Before they could plan, it was time to close the pharmacy. Aida offered Sue a ride home on her moped, since they lived near each other. As they turned onto Sue’s street, Aida gasped at the scenic view from Sue’s apartment.

“Now you really need to teach me listening prayer!” she said, marveling at the beauty. As they waved goodbye, Sue quietly prayed that she would get the opportunity to meet with Aida again. Join us in prayer for Sue and her plans to return to her Middle-Eastern home in the months to come. Pray for Aida, that the Holy Spirit will prepare her heart to hear what Sue has to say when she returns.

*pseudonyms

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