Read: 1 Kings 19:11-16

. . . a sound of sheer silence. (v. 12 NRSV)

The great prophet Elijah, whose prayers on Mt. Carmel were answered with fire on the altar and rain for the parched earth, was cowering in a cave. After defeating the prophets of Baal, Elijah had fled from the wrath of Queen Jezebel. Now he is hiding dejectedly in the wilderness. Loud displays of thunder and lightning did not arouse him. But he stepped to the mouth of the cave when a profound silence let him know that God was there. Then God gave Elijah directions for the next stage of his life and ministry.

It is often in deep silence that I become most aware of the presence of God. Being silent before God I am able to hear what God wants to say to me. I need to pray that my intuition will be used as an instrument for Christ to speak to me. Just as my conscience can be tuned to moral law, so my intuition can be tuned to promptings of the Spirit.

In a quiet, listening mode I can receive the gift of discernment. Then Christ becomes my guide in all I think and say and do.

In every issue of the “Friends of Silence” newsletter, author Nan Merrill asks, “Is there enough silence [in your life] for the Word to be heard?” –David Muyskens

Prayer: Living Word, give us ears to hear what you say to us. Amen. 

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