Experiencing God in Silence

Sitting in a very quiet room, I gazed out the window as birds flew by, cars rushed down the road, tree branches swayed in the breeze, and even a squirrel dashed through the yard. Suddenly, the lack of sound pierced my thoughts. I knew that outside, the world was alive with activity, yet I heard nothing. In that moment, I began to pray but then paused to reflect. Could I watch the world go by in silence? Could I pray without using the familiar phrases or titles for God?

Throughout Scripture, prayers are often shared without the typical jargon of the day. For instance, in Psalm 117:1-2, the Psalmist proclaims, "Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol Him, all you people. For great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord." This short chapter, a blend of challenge and praise, notably lacks the word "I." The focus is solely on praising the Lord our God. It suggests that the Psalmist was fully captivated by the magnitude and power of God rather than by his own desires or thoughts. The writer encourages readers to recognize the awesomeness of God and to lift their hearts in praise.

When we consider Colossians 1:16—"For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him"—we can begin to understand that our prayer time, whether in the silence of a closed room or amid the bustle of a crowded street or busy office, is not just directed to Him but also intended for Him.

Pray—lift your thoughts, hopes, dreams, and desires to Him. Communicate with Him; laugh with Him, and cry with Him. However, avoid becoming overly systematic in your prayers. Think outside the box and be creative about where, when, and how you pray. Always remember, the Holy One is always listening.