Psalm 62:5 – For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. (ESV)

Growing up in the 1960s, I learned to love "The Sound of Silence" by Simon and Garfunkel.

And the sign said:
"The words of the prophets
Are written on the subway walls
And tenement halls
And whispered in the sound of silence."

It was years later that I learned the true nature of silence, or I should say that I am continuing to learn more and more as I practice silence in my life. Mother Theresa taught me much about the place of silence: "We cannot put ourselves directly in the presence of God if we do not practice internal and external silence."

In silence, we will find new energy and true unity. Silence gives us a new outlook on everything.

The essential thing is not what we say but what God says to us and through us. In that silence, He will listen to us. There, He will speak to our soul, and there, we will hear His voice.

Listen in silence, because if your heart is full of other things, you cannot hear the voice of God. But when you have listened to the voice of God in the stillness of your heart, then you will know God.

Psalm 46:10a – Be still, and know that I am God. (ESV)

Prayer: Be still, my soul, and in the stillness, help me to listen, listen for Your still small voice or the sound of sheer silence. Internally, help me to quiet all that creates chaos and clamour. Externally, help me to disregard voices and noises that would draw me away from You. Help me to find my quiet place as Jesus did in the solitary places where He went to pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Kenn Stright <kennethstright@yahoo.ca>
West Petpeswick, Nova Scotia, Canada
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