FOR GOD ALONE, MY SOUL IN SILENCE WAITS. Psalm 62.1
Our forebears lived in a much quieter world. Consider that until about 200 years ago, the loudest sounds many ever heard were thunder, church bells, and the occasional rifle. We’ve certainly gained some wonderful inventions in the past centuries, but none with a cost. Silence and solitude are some of our richest tools for learning to see and hear God.
Our aim in meditation is to be silent in God’s presence, the way you might share a candelit moment with a loved one, often lacking any sound of words. Furthermore, there is no goal of “getting” anywhere, aside from remembrance and rest in your grounding as God’s beloved child. (The pursuit of silence of for the Christian differs from eastern religions in that we seek union & communion with Christ, as opposed to seeking an absence of union, or sense of nothingness.)
If you’re curious about learning a practice of silence, here are some thoughts to get you started anywhere and anytime. If you’re new to practicing silence, begin with a small amount of time—say ten, or twenty minutes. I find it helpful to sit by a window, or outside, and oftentimes I’ll light a candle to accompany me. Keep a notepad nearby, as you’ll usually have a rush of to-do’s, or bizarre ideas, come to your mind soon after you sit down. Simply jot them down and you can revisit them later. Be patient with yourself; we’re all simply practicing here—there’s no “right” or “wrong.” By simply showing-up to God, you’ve done the hardest work, that He may now search and know your beloved heart (Psalm 139).
THEREFORE, I WILL NOW ALLURE HER,
AND BRING HER INTO THE WILDERNESS,
AND SPEAK TENDERLY TO HER
(Hosea 2:14)
Abbie (Smith) Sprünger is the author of multiple books, including her latest (and debut) children’s title: What Is Beautiful? (Parent Cue, 2020). Abbie resides with her husband, kids, chickens and dog at Wesley Gardens Retreat in Savannah. See glimpses at @wesleygardenslife.