I heard a story once that Susanna Wesley, mother of nineteen
children, would pull her apron over her head when she wanted to pray. And her children knew not to disturb
her in her quiet place.
Most of us have more opportunities to find corners or
methods of solitude for reflection and prayers, yet for me sometimes the quiet
instigates the clamor. I talk my prayers instead of keeping silent. When
another is sharing a problem I want to jump in with a solution, instead of
listening with support and comfort.
One friend could not bear a silent house so would keep a tv
or radio on, set at barely a murmur, because she didn’t want to be distracted
from her projects, but complete silence made it impossible for her to be think
clearly.
Or how often do we turn up volume to tune out other noises
that interfere with our own personal noise? We seem to need to fill quiet
pauses with conversation, to cover over silence with any words—regardless how
empty they might be.
“Where shall the word be found, where will the word
Resound? Not here, there is not enough silence...”
Lord, please quiet our tumult and our tension, and teach us
to be still. Quiet enough to hear Your answers to the prayers we clamor at You.
At peace enough to be willing to wait for wisdom instead of fretting into
foolishness. Teach us to be wise.
Psalm of Worship: Psalm 62: 1-2
“My soul waits in
silence for God only; from Him is my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.”
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