We are in a fast-paced society with never enough time to deal with the many tasks in front of us. Yet taking the time to settle, to commune, and to listen is necessary for our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. God's messages are important for me to hear, but I am often too distracted to even have a conversation, let alone have a conversation where I am not the main (or only) one talking. Even when I was doing a better job of praying, I was usually rushing through, pushing to the end, rather than really taking the time to talk with Him.
Still, communication is the key to any healthy relationship, and one of the best skills in communication is that of actively listening. I need spend time in prayer actively listening to what God is telling me.