More on Communication!

Going back to my "Communication is Key!" post, I wrote about verbalizing, this post is more about listening and how it is an action word.
Last week I was talking with one of my moms close friends about communication. It was the coolest conversation and I was able to put together a spiritual thought process on the subject with the help of the previous weeks Institute class. Here ya go...

Distance from God comes from LACK of communication! This thought process stems from a question that Brother Gardener, my Institute Instructor asked... How is it that someone who is active in the church, gets to a point where they are no longer active?

Simple answer, they stopped listening. When we pray, we are usually the "talker", starting the conversation, but how is it that we hear the answers to those prayers?

Thought process went something like this, not in any particular order.


1. Study the scriptures because our Heavenly Father is speaking to us through those words! He can tell us what we should be doing, how we should be doing it, and why we should be doing it.
2. Listen To/Read the words of the Prophets because our Heavenly Father is speaking to us through their words just as much as He is through the scriptures! His Prophets and Apostles are Special witnesses of Jesus Christ and speak on His behalf! I personally want to know what He wants me to know. 
3. Silent Meditation because, how can our Father in Heaven speak to us if we don't give Him the time too? Reflection and pondering are a big part in communicating... they give us time to see where we want to go with the conversation or topic.
4. Fast because it's a way to show Heavenly Father our utmost attention, it will deepen an already good conversation and help to make the path clear so we can find/feel the answer(s) to our prayers.
5. Attend our Church Meetings and Participate because our Heavenly Father has placed His children in our lives for a reason, He has called them to the positions in the Ward/Stake for a reason. Give Him a chance to use them as His voice too.
6. Be worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost! Because, He is the connection between Heavenly Father and ourselves... It's a lot harder to know what He is saying through His Spirit when the world is playing a little to loud in our hearts and minds.
 
Cool huh? This really was a very sweet realization so I wanted to share it. I know it is so simple and they are the "seminary" answers, but it's always good to know WHY they work. I really want to communicate better with my Father in Heaven and now I understand how to.

Any perspective on this thought process?