On one of Jesus’ visits to the Temple, he expressed His anger as to what the Temple had become. The gospel of Matthew tells us in “Matthew 21:13”. He was frustrated that the Temple had become a business within a place of worship and that the hustle and bustle were drowning out God’s voice.
The world around us is noisy, and there seems no solitude from its noise. Even our churches are loud. However, that does not mean we can’t hear God or find Him or that we condemn church facilities. What it means is we need to be more intentional in our efforts to seek and praise Him. Maybe today, you can isolate yourself and spend some quiet time to hear God whisper to you. But if that is not possible, be comforted in knowing that He is with us no matter where we are as a follower of Christ. With your body/temple, become a house of prayer today.
- Set aside a minimum of 15 minutes (increase the time as you can). Set a timer to help you be less concerned about when you are to stop.
- Select a location where you will not be disturbed or distracted and then settle into a comfortable position.
- Intentionally place yourself in the presence of God.
- Choose a simple word or verse of scripture that expresses your desire for God (e.g. love, peace, grace, Saviour, great shepherd). Let this word or phrase guard your attention.
- Take time to be quiet. It is not unusual for your first few minutes to be filled with noisy thoughts about activities in your life, family, work etc. Don’t worry about these thoughts and do not focus on them. Let them go and gently return your attention to God’s presence and love by repeating your sacred word. When your thoughts wander, let them drop and don’t go after them. Don’t focus or think about them. Let them go and gently return your attention to God’s presence and love by repeating your sacred word.
- Rest in the center of God and trust the Holy Spirit who abides in the depths of your spirit to connect you with God.
- Take several minutes to come out of prayer. Don’t just end. Don’t hurry and breathe in the presence of God. Offer yourself to God for the task that awaits you (e.g. say “I am yours” or “Remain with me”).
Below is a link to help you set your time with God in Silence from Emotionally Healthy Discipleship. This 15-minute experience was created to provide a guided experience to help people integrate the spiritual practice of silence into their daily relationship with Jesus. Originally used in a sermon by Pete Scazzero at New Life Fellowship Church in 2010, it has since been expanded and revised to its present form. Enjoy!
Breathe: Being with God in Silence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5_vOr6mPCA&t=453s