Today’s Reflection
WE NEED TO FIND times and places of silence because every day our ears are bombarded with noise; it’s everywhere! From the moment we awaken in the morning until our head hits the pillow at night, we are assulted by noise — traffic, leaf blowers, Muzak. Restaurants too can be filled with the buzz of waiters dropping glasses, children crying, and people who speak exceptionally loudly. These references to external noise do not touch the noise within, which may be louder than the noise on the street. Those around us cannot hear our inner voices, but we hear them, and they take their toll on our creativity, productivity, and peace.
In this cacophony of noise, there is one sound that we rarely hear: the sound of silence. A world without things going on would be awful, and when things go on noise is inevitable; as a consequence, we must search for pockets of silence to find respite. Daily those of us who treasure silence engage in a war on noise and, unfortunately, we lose many battles. Why is that? Are we bored with life? Bored with ourselves? Must we be distracted every minute of the day?
In this turbulence we need to find a place of silence where we can receive new strength and discover the Reality that waits for us beyond the noise and distractions of life. What a difference it would make if we could for once stop to explore the depth of silence within us.
– Ben C. Johnson and Paul H. Lang
Time Away
From pages 81-82 of Time Away: A Guide for Personal Retreat by Ben Campbell Johnson and Paul H. Lang. Copyright © 2010 by Ben C. Johnson and Paul H. Lang. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
Is intentional silence a part of your day? What is the benefit? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him?
James 2:5, NRSV
This Week: pray for the leaders of nations. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.
Did You Know?
In need of prayer? The Upper Room Living Prayer Center is a 7-day-a-week intercessory prayer ministry staffed by trained volunteers. Call 1-800-251-2468 or visit The Living Prayer Center website.
This week we remember: Mother Teresa of Calcutta (September 5).
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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12 Comments
My QT usually comes when there is silence. When it does so, yes, it is intentional. Then I have to make an effort to be silent.
It is easier to concentrate when there is silence. There are fewer distractions.
Thankful for the events of yesterday, a long walk, the tent taken down at church, repair to a clothes rack, emails to and from Germany about my model., the UR daily reflection finally came, and wonderful meals my son made.
Prayers for a wonderful weekend and a blessed Sunday.
Without silence in the morning, I am much more likely to be jumbled and easily distracted throughout the course of the day. I am fortunate to have a quiet house in my solitude. When my last class is done, it is wonderful to close my door and be still. To just sit quietly, and relax for a few moments – before I tend to some things.
Julie – I pray your on-line search for employment opportunities will be fruitful.
My mom saw her primary care physician for a check up on Thursday. He spoke beautifully with her. He is a Christian and he quoted Scripture to her, told her she would never find peace in all this until she accepted the outcome and stopped blaming God. He also upped her depression medication. I am so grateful for this – and praying the seeds he planted can be nourished moving forward. He encouraged her to see a counselor and offered a reference for one.
Grateful for a soft rain overnight and cooler temperatures. I think this will be a weekend of rain and that is ok – it is needed. Grateful for the quiet companionship of my cat. Grateful for the routine of school – it is a comfort, and my students are a joy.
I’m thankful for Edy’s comment about discussing, addressing the daily question the UR reflection poses. As best I can, I try to respond to the question or task. Sometimes I find this quite difficult.
I also hope for a balance between discussing the daily question and sharing, praying for others. Both activities can be both over or under done.
The mornings and evenings, i need silence to recharge and spend time with God. In His presence, there is joy!
Blessings!
Grateful for time spent with my dear sister, Molly!
I have noticed that I use noise to distract me to frequently. I do enjoy silence and find it restorative. I have also noted that young people find silence to be an enemy. My daughter and her friends are constantly in need of auditory entertainment.
Prayers of gratitude for Gloria’s doctor and his wonderful insights and sharing of his religious insights. This is surely an anomaly in today’s heealthcare eenvironment.
I have grown spiritually and my understanding of basic spiritual concepts has deepened as a result of the sharing of personal information. I will enumerate some each day.
Today I will start with what I have learned from Robert. I had a mostly absent father. He was an alcoholic and philanderer. He was not a part of my life for many years. One time he introduced me to his other family, a woman and girl, who I assume was my half sister. I never saw them again. So, the concept of a loving heavenly Father who wanted a relationship with me and who protected me and gave m good thngs was foreign to me. But I have read Robert’s accounts of his steadfast love and support of Erich and I have learned. I have read how he is willing to move to a new city for Erich and I have learned. I have read of his delight in his daughter and granddaughters and I understand God’s delight in me. God bless Robert and his quiet example of your love and care and steadfast presence.
Prayers for Mary and a relaxing day on Sunday.
Prayers for Marcy, may she be safe.
Prayers for all of the UR family
Thanks dear Julie!
May you experience more of God’s love and power in your life!
Blessings!
Yes, intentional silence is a part of my day-the early morning hours and the stillness of it. We live in a quiet neighborhood also.
I didn’t get the Reflection yesterday, I guess. Hope Lou’s stresses diminish for her and she has a peaceful weekend. Blessings to all.
Today’s reflection was excellent. I try to have silence for 15 minutes everyday. Sometimes it works and sometimes it does not. It is the only time you can hear yourself and God. I have received my greatest answers from troubling questions on what to do. The Rev. Norman Vincente Peale used to say you need 15 minutes of absolute silence everyday to refresh ourselves and to bring tranquility. Thank you fir todays Reflection!!!
Hello, to my UR Reflections siblings and friends. Thank you for remembering me in your prayers. I’m confused on how to comment now. I do hope and pray I haven’t overburdened, over-shared, but isolation is like death for me. I have been sick with flu, not the respiratory type, for five days. Still having migraines, vision issues, so just read posts tonight. I felt safe, encircled by our sharing, providing much needed friendship, commonalities along with our Faith, our Hope and our Love from God. Every day, most of the day, I experience God’s silence while praying and also too much silence, as I am alone, unable to do life to the extent of most. I know God is with me. I confess I’ve been brought low. Will check in occassionally. I DO Love you all!
I have continued to pray for everyone; those I’ve gotten to know, and those I don’t know. Robert, you, Erich, your daughter and her family and Pearl and also your church members are in my prayers. Thank you for your wisdomand comfort. Dearest Julie, I pray for you and your daughter and Chai and Tazzie and know God will guide you to a job; you are so strong! Jill, I continue to pray for you, Gloria, Larry, Becky and her family and Roger. So good to hear about the doctor! Lou, you and your children are in my prayers and I am battling along with you! Mary, I keep praying for you, your parents,sister and work situation. I pray you are strengthened and can address the situation with being overworked, sweet sister. Connie, I continue to pray for you and your husband and loved ones. Your gratitude lists help others, my sister. Andrea, you and your husband, most especially your daughter, son-in-law and grandson are always in my prayers. It was great to read about your recent interactions.
Always praying for Francesca, April, Pam and so many others. Sending Love to one and all.
Again, I apologize for TMI.
And these three remain: Faith, Hope and Love, and the greatest of these is LOVE!
Thanks dear Marcy!
I pray that you will be empowered to live a victorious life in Christ Jesus and be a living testimony for Him!
In your life, may God be glorified, Marcy!
Blessings!
Oh, Marcy; I am sure our new poster was not speaking of you! Your posts are always right on time and just the right length!
I certainly agree with Pamela! Keep the posts coming Marcy and continued prayers and blessings for all who post and those who visit daily.
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