silence

Opening Prayer:  Still and quiet my soul this day, O God, that I might find you in the midst of the silence.  Amen.

Scripture: Habakkuk 2:20

Journal: What role does silence play in your life with God?  Is it something you embrace or avoid?  Why?  How might you incorporate silence into your normal rhythm of life?

Reflection:  Henri Nouwen once wrote: “Silence is the discipline by which the inner fire of God is tended and kept alive.”  Thus, silence is not a luxury in the spiritual life, but a necessity.  If we want a rich and deep life with God, silence is essential, not optional.  If we want the fires of God to burn hot within and among us, we must continually throw logs on the inner fire.  We must relentlessly make time and space for God to speak and move and act.  We must stop our feet, shut our mouths, and open our ears.  If we do not, we will find that the life of the Spirit within us just shrivels up and dies.  The next thing we know, we find ourselves running around breathlessly, doing a-million-and-one good things that are totally devoid of life and power.  We end up running on fumes, trying to make things happen on our own. 

We must come to realize that silence is for us, not for him.  Silence helps put things in proper perspective.  It helps us to see who God really is, and who we really are.  Thus, it accomplishes something very good within and among us, the same way it did at the beginning of all things.  Silence teaches us that the Divine rhythm never changes: there is silence, God speaks, and then things come into being.  

Annie Dillard said it so well: “You do not have to sit outside in the dark. If, however, you want to look at the stars, you will find that darkness is necessary. But the stars neither require nor demand it.”  Likewise, you do not have to sit in silence.  If, however, you want to hear from God, you will find that silence is necessary.  How might God be inviting you to see and experience him in silence?

Prayer

Closing Prayer:  O Lord, you are indeed in your holy temple.  Therefore, help me to be still and silent before you.  Amen.