The Beauty of Quietness
Thelma Wilder (August 21, 1967)
“Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” -Psalm 46:10a
I attended some services in a “Friends” meetinghouse and was impressed by the peace and quiet of their mode of worship. The organ was playing very softly as we came into the little sanctuary. We were greeted quietly at the door. There was no hustle or bustle but we walked quietly to our seats and listened as the beautiful music ministered to us. There was a call to worship followed by two hymns, a responsive reading, an offering and scripture reading. Then there was a period of un-programmed worship-a quiet time. Sometimes the organ would play a hymn of worship. Occasionally someone would be moved to speak a few words of dedication. For the most part we sat quietly thinking our own thoughts or silently praying. This was followed by a short message, a hymn, and the benediction. I remembered a story about a man who came into such a service. After sitting quietly for a while and hearing no word spoken, he asked, “When does the service begin?”
“The service begins when the meeting ends,” he was quietly informed. On the bottom of my order of worship I saw these words: “The end of the worship, the beginning of service.”
There is healing of body, mind, and soul in quiet worship. It may be overlooking a calm lake, in a quiet glade, a beautiful worship setting in the sanctuary, or in a few moments taken from our daily tasks for meditation, prayer, and worship. These are moments that make for riches in eternity.
This month we are celebrating 70 years of Daily Bread. Each day we will be sharing Daily Bread stories from throughout the decades. You will notice that these stories reflect the language and theology of the time they were written. Our hope is that this act of sacred remembering will bless us with awareness of God’s movement throughout time and a renewed sense of God’s presence with us now! Consider joining this rich tradition of sacred story sharing by submitting your story here: https://www.CofChrist.org/daily-bread-writers-guide
Prayer Phrase
The Spirit is revealed in our sacred stories.
Spiritual Practice
Sharing Stories
Sharing sacred story is a meaningful way to express and remember God’s activity among us. How have you been transformed by the words and stories of others? What stories do you feel called to share from your own sacred history?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
