Have you ever intentionally taken a day to be silent with the Lord? Last week I spent a day in prayer and spiritual renewal in a quiet sanctuary located at the beautiful Well of Mercy retreat center. As I settled myself in the tranquil surroundings the sound of silence overwhelmed my spirit. I immediately felt tension throughout my body. It was like I was literally fighting with myself to settle down and just be still. After some time I felt myself getting comfortable, nestled in my chair and finally taking in the calm and peaceful atmosphere. Within minutes tears filled my eyes and I realized how beautiful the sound of silence really is. Silence is a gift from our Creator. It’s astonishing when we allow our walls to come down and get silent with the Lord, how He speaks to us.
This day I was spending with the Lord was different from my daily quiet time. One reason was I had no time schedule. Even though I have quiet surroundings in the early morning hours at home, in my head I have that internal clock-ticking ready to start my daily routines and responsibilities. Being completely focused some days can be quiet the challenge. Another reason this day was special was due to the way I approached my time with God. I came to the retreat center with an expectant heart ready to hear from Him. I knew this was not a time for me to go down my “wish list” of all my hopes and dreams I pray the Lord will provide. As a Christian Life Coach, it’s important to bring clients to a shift in thinking and that’s exactly what I experienced. I approached the Lord with a “what attitude” instead of a “how attitude”. Isn’t it funny how one little word can shift your entire perspective.
I left the Well of Mercy with a sense of awakening and of longing. My soul awakened to my deep yearning to spend more time with the Lord. That’s what is so exciting about our relationship with Christ. Each time we encounter Him we build a stronger desire to be even more intimate with Him. I would love to hear from you today about your time of silence with the Lord and how He continues to awaken your spirit.
Honored to Coach Christian Women Internationally at www.lindakuhar.com!
Linda – I came running over here to check out what you had written and your site was down earlier. SO GLAD it’s back up! This, right here, ” Each time we encounter Him we build a stronger desire to be even more intimate with Him”. AMEN! My own quiet time suffers the longer I go between times of visits. I appreciate your encouragement to come without an agenda.
I had silence with the Lord yesterday at church. It was the first time I attended prayer services there. It was an hour of silence followed by 25 minutes of praise & worship. I felt tense like u did then it went away. I loved that time with our Lord. I will be attending on Wednesdays going forward.
Absolutely inspiring blog!!! Your words described the place and your feelings so well. I could feel the same experience in some senses. Also, I thought of how this exercise of being silent to just “listen” for the Lord to speak is just what we need to do as coaches. We know that in that silence much is accomplished. Thank you for your insight.
Great post! This is such an inspiration. Finding a whole day of silence is not really an option for me right now, but I do delight in extended periods of silence. My soul sings when I am through.