Silent Prayer

an exercise in letting go

Invitations from God

“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.”(Psalm 37:7)
“I have stilled and quieted my soul.” (Psalm 131:2)

Purpose

• Being still before the Lord for a few minutes could help you listen throughout your day.
• Letting go of concerns as we are still before God brings peace. Holding onto concerns and burdens brings anxiety.
• Being silent can bring an awareness of God’s active presence and keep us from unhealthy self-absorption.

Practice

• Find a quiet place and sit comfortably (20 minutes is a suggested time).
• Review a few Scriptures (like those above) that invite you to silence.
• Be absolutely still and quiet, aware of the the presence of God with you.
• Choose a current meaningful word/phrase that helps you worship God. It might be “Abba Father” or “Loving Provider” or something else.
• As various thoughts come to mind, and they probably will, let them go one by one. Surrender the issue or concern, and as you do, recite the word/phrase you have chosen.
• If it helps you, think about putting each concern or issue into a boat that is moving down a river. As distracting thoughts come to mind, don’t stop and analyze them, just let them go.