Listening in the Stillness

1 Kings 19: 11-13aRoger LynnJanuary 10, 2016
(click here for the audio for this mediation)

We live in a noisy world and it seems to be getting noisier all the time. Not simply the sounds that make their way to our ears, but all of the things which bombard our senses, our brains, and our spirits. From the roads filled with cars to the constant exposure to media to the email, texts and Facebook, we live fast-paced lives that often teeter on the edge of frantic. It is easy to become so distracted that we have trouble noticing the presence of God in the midst of us. It can be all but impossible to listen for what God might be trying to say to us. So, in the midst of all the noise I thought it might be helpful to spend some time in silence, listening in the stillness for the whisperings of God. I will, from time to time, offer some simple thoughts which might help to guide your reflection. But feel free to ignore me and simply go where the silence takes you. If you’re not used to spending much time in silence (most of us aren’t) then this experience may be a bit uncomfortable for you. That’s OK. Just try to think of it as growing pains of the soul. But mostly do your best not to think too much at all. Just let go. Listen instead for the still small voice of the Divine Presence.

Find a comfortable position for your body. You might want to close your eyes. Become aware of your breathing. Breathe in – breathe out. Allow your breathing to slow and deepen as you quiet your mind and your heart to listen for the breath of God.

• Listen for the sounds in the silence – the sounds you don’t usually hear because of the noise.
• Listen for the voices inside of you – the voices that are often drown out by the hectic clamor of our lives.
• Listen for the voices inside of you that speak of joy and love.
• Listen for the voices inside of you crying out for healing.
• Listen for the voice of God coming in some unexpected form or from some surprising source.

As we go from here back into the noise of the world, I encourage you to seek the silence from time to time as you continue to listen for the still small voice of the Divine. It is all around us all of the time, just waiting to be heard.