Settle yourself in solitude and you will come upon God in yourself.
Teresa of Avila
We live in a hurried and noisy world. Our fear of being alone and our concern for meaning pushes us to fill our time with sound and activity. The first step toward a life with God involves making room. We must make room for God to speak and for the experience of peace that comes from being in God's presence. We can't do that without seeking silence and solitude on a regular basis.
Take time to be still and quiet. Take that time on a daily basis. Pick the same place and the same time each day. Take five minutes to breathe and to listen to what God is speaking in your life and around you.
Don't you feel a tug, a yearning to sink down into the silence and solitude of God? Don't you long for something more? Doesn't every breath crave a deeper, fuller experience of God's presence? It is the Discipline of Solitude that will open the door. - Richard Foster
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea, 3 though it's waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, 10 "Be still and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth."
FOR FIVE MINUTES BE STILL. BREATHE. READ THE PASSAGE AGAIN.
What words in this passage out for you?
What God might be saying to you?
What will you be carrying with you through this day?
Praying in the Stillness
God you are my refuge and strength. Quiet me and help me to be still with you. Lead me from this time of stillness to see your glory.
35 In the morning, while it was still very dark, Jesus got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and his companions hunted for him. 37 when they found him, they said to him, "Everyone is searching for you." 38 He answered, "Let us go to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do."
FOR FIVE MINUTES BE STILL. BREATHE. READ THE PASSAGE AGAIN.
What words in this passage out for you?
What does this teach you about Jesus?
What invitation might Jesus be offering you?
Praying in the Stillness
Jesus help me find a deserted place to connect with you.
5 For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. 6 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. 7 On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.
FOR FIVE MINUTES BE STILL. BREATHE. READ THE PASSAGE AGAIN.
What words in this passage out for you?
What does the phrase "my soul waits in silence" mean to you?
How might silence be leading you to God your refuge?
Praying in the Stillness
God quiet my soul and be my refuge.
22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to and end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 The Lord is my portion, " says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him" The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him.
FOR FIVE MINUTES BE STILL. BREATHE. READ THE PASSAGE AGAIN.
What words in this passage out for you?
What seems new to you as you sit in silence today?
What hope does your heart long for ?
What do you wait for?
Praying in the Stillness
God be my hope and portion.
31He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves.
FOR FIVE MINUTES BE STILL. BREATHE. READ THE PASSAGE AGAIN.
What words in this passage out for you?
What is your deserted place? How often do you visit ?
Can you hear Jesus calling for you to rest? Do you need rest?
Where do you go to be filled?
Praying in the Stillness
Jesus find me in my deserted place and being me rest.