Silence
Silence
Learn to hear God’s still small voice.
What’s so scary about silence?
Do you find yourself always wanting to listen to music, podcasts, or have shows on in the background? If so, there could be something internal going on that you’re avoiding. Our own thoughts and feelings can be scary—but they’re also the places where God longs to meet us. In silence, we come face-to-face with our hearts. Learning to offer this deep part of ourselves to God is necessary if we want to allow him to speak to us, befriend us, and heal us. Here are some ways to practice silence in your everyday life.
Level 1: Novice
Read 1 Kings 19:1-13. Allow God’s question to Elijah to linger with you, and answer him honestly by telling him where you are and what you may be afraid of.
Pick a day of the week to turn off music, podcasts, and audiobooks while driving or at home.
Identify the thing in your life that most distracts you, and give it up for the month. It could be social media, an app, Netflix, or something else!
Ask God to show you where your speech gets you into trouble. You might find that you struggle with gossip, dishonesty, or complaining.
Level 2: Apprentice
After reading scripture (Psalm 62 could be a good place to start), try “silent prayer;” simply sitting in silence with God, for 20 minutes.
Start waking up 20 minutes before the rest of your household. Enjoy those silent moments with God.
For a day, commit to listening to understand rather than to respond. Don’t interrupt or finish anyone’s sentences.
For a week, try to notice when your “inner commentary” starts to run wild. This might look like ruminating on something that upset you or talking out loud to yourself about something stressful. Quiet these thoughts by offering them to God in prayer.
Level 3: Master
Try a practice called the night watch: wake up between 3am-6am, find a quiet place outside, and share an hour of silence with God under the stars.
Take a vow of silence for a day, going about your daily business, and noticing when you most want to speak.
Visit a church sometime when there’s no service. Hang out in the sanctuary to waste some time with God.
Find a monastery or retreat center in your area, and visit for a weekend silent retreat. Ask God to reveal a passage of scripture to orient your weekend around.