Listening for God in the Silence

Be still and prepare to listen to God. Acknowledge your desire to listen. Release the cares of the day. Breathe deeply and welcome the Spirit into your inner being.
Slowly read through to this account of Elijah, God’s prophet, who was running from Jezebel and longing to hear God speak to him. From 1 Kings 19:11-13 (NRSV) of the Old Testament.

“An Angel said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’

Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind;

And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake;

And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire;

And after the fire a sound of sheer silence.

When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.

Then there came a voice to him that said, ‘What are you doing here?’”

Spend some time in quiet reflection on how God communicates with you. In your own life, what circumstances, relationships or ideas seem like great winds or earthquakes… Which parts of your life make the most noise?… Which parts of your life consume you, as a fire consumes anything in its path?… Spend a few minutes reflecting on the ‘sound of sheer silence.’ What would that be like for you?… What would it be like to hear the ‘gentle whisper of God?’…

(Source: Seeking God Together: An Introduction to Group Spiritual Direction. By Alice Fryling.)

May 18, 2020

Easter Season Meditation

Risen One, open my mind and heart. Let me see and welcome your Presence.

“Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him (Luke 24:31).”
- What is God’s latest revelation to me? How has this impacted how I live now?
“Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast’ (John 21:12.)”
- What spiritual food am I being offered for the nourishment of my soul? What food do I accept? What food do I reject?
“He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him (Matthew 28:7).”
- How do I need to adapt to better recognize the Holy One in my life?
“Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He has been raised (Matthew 28:5-6).”
- Fear filled the hearts of those who had loved Jesus. They found it difficult to believe the Easter message.
- What is keeping me from hearing the Truth that is being offered to me? What is my resistance revealing?
“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe (John 20:29).”
- How do I cooperate with what Mystery is inviting in me?
“Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ (John 20:16).”
- When have I too known intimacy with the Holy One?
- Who does God say that I am to Him?
“Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us? (Luke 24:13)”
- Where in my past have I experienced amazing relief after intense struggle?
“Why do you look for the living among the dead? (Luke 24:5)”
- Where in my past am I looking for life? What am I being invited to release?
“So, they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to tell his disciples (Matthew 28:8).”
- How do I share the powerful presence of God in my midst? How do I witness what I believe?
“Jesus Himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you’ (Luke 24:36).”
- How will I greet myself and my world with peace this Easter season?

(Source: Out of the Ordinary: Prayers, Poems, and Reflections for Every Season. By Joyce Rupp.)

April 7, 2020

Practicing Hospitality

Questions for Reflection:

What or who do I think of when I hear the word “hospitality?”
What Bible stories come to mind when I hear the word “hospitality?”
How does Jesus exhibit hospitality?
In what ways has God provided hospitality to me?
How am I extending hospitality to God, myself and others?

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March 14, 2020

At the End of the Day: A Mirror of Questions

Using John O’Donohue’s version of The Daily Examen, At the End of the Day: A Mirror of Questions, is a helpful framework for discerning what life-creating forces remain in our lives and which may need to be released.

Where did my eyes linger today?

Where was I blind?

Where was I hurt without anyone noticing?

What did I learn today?

What did I read?

What new thoughts visited me?

What differences did I notice in those closest to me? Whom did I neglect?

Where did I neglect myself?

What did I begin today that might endure?

How were my conversations?

What did I do today for the poor and the excluded?

Did I remember the dead today?

Where could I have exposed myself to the risk of something different?

Where did I allow myself to receive love?

With whom today did I feel the most myself?

What reached me today? How deep did it imprint?

Who saw me today?

What visitations had I from the past and from the future?

What did I avoid today?

From the evidence, why was I given this day?

(Source: Rewilding Wheel Workbook by Mary A. DeJong, M.A.)

February 18, 2020

Podcast: What Spiritual Direction is all about

Learn more about What Spiritual Direction is all about from this podcast recently recorded during worship at Wheatland Salem UMC in suburban Chicago with Pastor Corey Ashley and Spiritual Director Laura Lies.

October 29, 2019

Tag: Spiritual Questions

Listening for God in the Silence