First Sunday of Lent 2023
“Dear God, Speak gently in my silence. When the loud outer noises of my surroundings and the loud inner noises of my fears keep pulling me away from you, help me to trust that you are still there even when I am unable to hear you. Give me ears to listen to your small, soft voice saying: ‘Come to me, you who are overburdened, and I will give you rest . . . for I am gentle and humble of heart.’ Let that loving voice be my guide. Amen.” – Henri Nouwen
Sitting in Silence
Lent for me always starts with silent reflection, intentional moments of sitting in the stillness and listening.
There are many reasons this is hard for me, for us.
The world is so loud.
Our technology is so loud.
Our office is so loud.
Our home is so loud.
Our mind is so “loud”.
Our pain is so “loud”.
So this step is impossible if you aren’t intentional.
Plan moments this week to be still.
To sit.
In the quiet.
Get up early to do it.
Stay up late to do it.
Sit in your car to do it.
Ask for help to give you space to do it.
Don’t ignore this step.
It’s important.
It’s important.
Once you’re alone and quiet, it’s “easy”.
Just sit.
Be quiet.
Close your eyes if it helps.
Use every bit of power to clear your head.
If it helps, pray briefly to help you focus.
But remember our goal is to be quiet and listen, not talk.
Sit. In the quiet. For as long as you’re able.
What comes to mind?
It may be nothing or it may be immense.
Just listen.
Do you feel a prompting from the Holy Spirit?
Something you should think about?
Something important for this Lenten journey?
Where should your focus be for these 40 days as
we prepare for His death and resurrection?
Oh Lord, show us during this journey how to be still
and listen for your voice.
The photo above is a park close to us on Lake Michigan. There’s nothing quite like the stillness in the air after a fresh fallen snow. So silent. Peaceful.
Jesus said, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. – Matthew 6:31-32
“Take Over” by Shane & Shane is a meaningful song to listen to this week as you find time for quiet reflection. If you have a hard time focusing, try listening to this as a lead-in to your moments of silence. May your Lenten journey be blessed with the deep joy of turning to God.
Click HERE to listen and follow the words below.
Thirsty, I’m thirsty for You.
In a dry land with no drink, I need You.
I know You made a home
Inside this heart of stone,
So turn it into flesh.
Spirit, soften it.
I give You all I have.
I’m holding nothing back.
Jesus, I am Yours. Jesus, I am Yours.
Take over.
Lover of my soul,
Take control.
I surrender.
There’s nothing I want more.
Than to know You, Lord,
To know You.
(2x)
What am I supposed to do
With all my kingdoms next to You?
You’re the Lord.
You’re the Lord.
But I could gain the world and more.
It’s all nothing next to You.
My reward.
My reward.
(2x)
Take over.
Lover of my soul,
Take control.
I surrender.
There’s nothing I want more
Than to know, Lord.
What am I supposed to do
With all my kingdoms?
You’re the Lord.
You’re the Lord.
I could gain the world and more.
It’s all nothing next to You.
My reward.
My reward.
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