“Be silent before the LORD, all humanity, for He is springing into action from His holy dwelling.” Zechariah 2:13 (NLT)

In a cartoon by Bill Keane, children are standing outside in awe at a scene in their backyard made ever whiter by softly falling snow. One of the little boys says with obvious exasperation, “If Dolly would just stop talking, we could hear the quiet!”

Immediately I saw a connection to my prayer life. Instead of settling myself in God’s presence, wordlessly meditating on His love and grace, perhaps repeating some of His many names, all in anticipation of our time together, I too quickly present Him with my list. Things I want Him to do for me and others. Even my complaints. Or my regrets. Or my Wish List.

Young Samuel was wisely counseled that when awakened from sleep by God’s voice, he need only say, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” The Bible is filled with admonitions about the importance of listening: Listen to my words…I told you, but you would not listen…Be silent, Israel, and listen…

Listening is best done in quiet. Again from the Bible: Teach me, and I will be quiet…In quietness and trust is your strength…It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord… Come with me (Jesus) by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.

Rebecca St. James writes these words in a meaningful praise hymn:

I’ll stand in awe of you, Jesus…
You are God in Heaven
And here I am on earth
So I’ll let my words be few
Because I’m so in love with you…

by Marilyn Ehle
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

How to Spend a Day with the Lord

Refreshment – thoughts by Marilyn Ehle

Grace to You – Thoughts about God

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