“The Prayer of Stillness”
We need to do something. Busyness, loudness, and preoccupations are fragmenting our lives. Anxiety and depression are at an all-time high, so say those who work in the counseling profession and Christian counselors in particular. Many folks try to live their lives at the speed of internet: need some information, type in a search, and in a matter of seconds you receive ten-thousand results. Even that can be frustrating, because the same search tomorrow will yield an entirely different set of results that are contrary to what was discovered yesterday. And if it takes more than a few seconds to secure the desired outcome, presto, more anxiety. Cell phones are an amazing invention, and yet they suck the life out of people. Research shows that increased screen time rewires the brain, changes mood and focus, saps the joy center of the brain, and creates an environment of relational dysfunction. Even if one is not actively using the phone, just its mere presence in plain sight disrupts relational connection. And on it goes. While we certainly love and do gain benefit from living in the technological age, we simply cannot overlook the challenges it presents to our spiritual journey.
There are ancient practices that offset the difficulties of living in a fallen world in any age. In fact, what I’m describing for you here was something David wrote about three-thousand years ago. Let’s call it the prayer of stillness. Consider:
Be still and know that I am God—Psalm 46:10. To be “still” is to cease striving.
In quietness and trust is your strength—Isaiah 30:15. “Trust” here is a resignation of one’s own efforts.
Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest—Matthew 11:28
Prayer of Stillness is certainly not rocket-science, but it does require intentionality and fortitude. Count on difficulties of distraction, shortened attention spans, the call of the “to-do” list, not to mention the tricks of the enemy to pull you away from your divine appointment.
First, find a quiet place away from activity, noise, and distractions. Please, leave your cell phone in another room!
Close your eyes and purpose to come into the presence of God., and remain there, as 17th century mystic Jeanne Guyon says, “in respectful silence for a while.” Respectful silence means keeping uninterrupted focus.
Again, Guyon reminds us to “Remain there in His divine presence without being troubled by a subject of prayer. Simply enjoy God.” When was the last time you simply sat and enjoyed God? If you are like most of us, it’s been a while.
Cease all activity, especially the tendency of a racing mind, lest God’s presence is pushed aside and diminished.
Guyon states clearly, “Seek nothing from God during these quiet moments except to love Him and please Him.” By “pleasing” she means not worrying about a “works orientation” to the journey of faith, and that it pleases the Father just to spend time with Him.
Let’s be a people who delight to sit with our heavenly Father and enjoy the spiritual delights of simply being in His presence.
Blessings on the Journey,
Pastor Dewayne
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