Today’s Reflection
Practicing silence is like climbing into the lap of God, resting against God’s breast, becoming one with God’s heartbeat. . . . As you begin to practice silence, remember these aspects:
- Don’t worry about doing it right. There are several approaches; the key is to try one and stick with it. Be gentle on yourself when the going gets tough.
- Don’t judge your thoughts. When we judge our thoughts or get angry and frustrated by distractions, that’s just more thinking pulling us out of the silence. Instead, simply let go of the thoughts by returning attention to the prayer word.
- Don’t neglect a “where” and “when.” If you are going to practice silent resting in God, you need to have a clearly designated time and place. Establishing these is a key step to beginning and continuing the practice.
—L. Roger Owens, What We Need Is Here: Practicing the Heart of Christian Spirituality (Upper Room Books, 2015)
Today’s Question
Do you have a regular time and place for practicing silence? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
A sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; for those who enter God’s rest also cease from their labors as God did from his.
—Hebrews 4:9-10 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
New every morning is your love, great God of light, and all day long you are working for good in the world. Stir up in us desire to serve you, to live peacefully with our neighbors and all your creation, and to devote each day to your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
— “A Liturgy for Morning Prayer,” Upper Room Worshipbook
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Pause and notice God’s comforting presence by reflecting on the songs of Advent. Good News of Great Joy: Advent Reflections on the Songs of Luke offers 24 daily readings that explore the context, content, and spirituality of the four canticles (“little songs”) in Luke 1–2. Learn more.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Reign of Christ
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
4 Comments
I don’t have a regular time and place for practicing silence. I spend time reading my way through the Bible, coming to NEM every day, doing Bible study, and helping the Worship team prepare worship services. I do think practicing silence would certainly be helpful.
Hope Julie’s surgery went well, school concerns are be resolved for Jill, Ally&David’s disability paperwork is accepted, and Roger’s diabetes is well controlled. Thankful for recent events: successful lipoma removal, ski sale, snowshoe purchase, a good saving plan, and progress with my model. The worship team is making good progress, a good Advent series has been chosen.. Prayers for all the NEM family as we face price increases, may your needs be met, and a resolution to this problem be found. Prayers too that climate change is soon addressed adequately. As stewards of the planet we live on, we must correct the issues we have caused. Thank You, Lord.
I have a time for Bible reading as well as UR Devotional and NEM reading and posting. I do not have a time of peace and I know this is helpful.
Surgery went well and I have very little pain. I am having difficulty getting the Eliquis prescription to be called in to my pharmacy. I have been trying for weeks and now I must have it or my life will be in danger.
Prayers for Ally as sge completes the disability paperwork and for David that his PSA is down. Prayers that Jill receives an excellent evaluation and that Roger soon responds to his insulin. Prayers for Robert as he and his church laity continue to stward their church community. Prayers for Marti and her staff.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and may God bless all who visit here.
I don’t practice silence as often as I should. It calms and centers me when I do. It is easier to hear God when I am still. And I need to sit in God’s lap and let God hold me. Jill, I love your illustration of Roger jumping in your lap as we can do with God. I admire you for wading through the John Piper book. I lose patience easily with him and want to throw the book. I’m very glad your review went well. Still praying for little Roger and that the insulin will do its work. Having a pet with a chronic illness can be a challenge for sure. Praying God restores Roger to health. Robert, praising God that things are going well and that church advent planning is progressing. Praising God for successful removal of the lipoma. In agreement with you that addressing climate change is good stewardship. Julie, glad your surgery went well. Missed you while you were recovering. Prayers that the problems getting your Eloquis is work out quickly. Thanks to all for your prayers for us. They mean so much. I pray we can all find a quiet place to sit in God’s lap. Thank You Lord, Gor this ministry and these dear friends. Praying our other posters are well. The busy season is upon us. Be blessed.
My morning time involves quietness and stillness. Occasionally throughout the day I will intentionally pause and be still. I have begun thinking of next week – time with my dad, sister and brother-in-law at the beach. And my time in the morning is just not what I want it to be. Partly because I don’t have a room to myself. It is just a different schedule and a different situation. I try to take time to myself walking on the beach, or even while sitting my beach chair.
Meeting up with a friend for dinner. She asked and while I didn’t want to be out another night after not coming home from school yesterday, I said ok. We don’t often get this chance. It will be fine, and I will be home earlier than I was last night. The remaining days of the week I will be home after school.
Dad is having a good time in Florida. My sister keeps him busy, which he likes. There are many activities in their community – cards, line-dancing, pickle ball.
Good to see your post, Julie. Hope the kinks with the medication get worked out quickly.
Add Comment