El-Shama - God who hears The word “El-Shama” is distinct. It caught my interest as we don’t come across this word as often as the other names of God like El-Shaddai, El-Elyon or El-Rohi. I do not know the exact origin of this word but it translates to “God who hears”. To me, it is a special word and it has struck a personal chord. I admire this word, what it means and the way it makes the gentleness of God apparent, by honouring our trivial desires and demands. There was a time in my life, when I knew nothing more about God, but that He is El-Shama: God who hears! Let me share a small experience where God was El-Shama in my life. It was a busy morning during my intermediate college (11th & 12th std) days; I had hurriedly gotten ready, and as was my daily routine, I took an auto to reach my college. Mid-way, to my surprise, I realised that I had forgotten to take my day’s pocket money, which I usually take from my mom in the mornings. Frantically, I searched my entire bag and found some change with which I paid my fare. Then a thought struck my mind: let me see if my God is really concerned about my need and, does He really care about the very negligible things, like my auto fare? So, I prayed in my heart saying, “Lord I will neither ask anyone for money nor will I take anyone’s help in dropping me back home”. I prayed such a prayer because of what I had heard of Him- that He honours the prayers of His people when they fearlessly depend on Him for their every need and that He honoured sincere men of God with whatever they asked for. Now back to my story – evening came, college concluded & we were all dismissed. I came out of the college and was waiting to go home. I hardly had 3 rupees in my pocket. I needed at least 15 rupees for the auto fare. I was standing there on the road with no money, waiting for God to answer my prayer. After a while, I started to lose hope. I closed my eyes trying to reach out for God’s help; not knowing what else to do. I heard someone yelling out my name and opened my eyes to find a car parked right in front of me. I curiously peeped into the car and realised that, it was my uncle and aunt asking me to get in. I couldn’t really believe what had happened. I was stunned and overjoyed at the same time; not because I got a free ride home but because God had heard me!! I had experienced Him as El-shama in my life. The driver dropped me at home, just as my uncle instructed him to. And that day, I did not even walk the little distance which I regularly do after getting down from the auto. My little brain was expecting God to give me the fare amount by some friend of mine but God surprised me with a car and dropped me right at the gate of my house. I was so happy that God answered my prayer and that He did not disregard my little faith or look down on my baby-steps in my walk with Him. Even the dearest ones in our lives don’t consider us as much as God does. This incident brought real meaning to the word “El-Shama” to me and this experience forever stays in my heart, as long as it beats! You may find it to be a little silly but, it's precious to me and I find great comfort whenever I am reminded of this. Psalms 116:2 says, “Because He bends down to listen……”