I. Scripture Reading — Psalm 46:10 (RSV-CE)
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth!”II. Meditation — When the Noise Finally Stopped
A woman once went on a silent retreat for the first time. She was nervous. No phone. No music. No talking. No distractions.
The first day felt unbearable.
Her mind raced. Memories surfaced. Worries returned. Regrets whispered. She felt restless and uncomfortable.
But on the second day, something changed.
In the quiet, she began to notice God’s presence. The birds outside her window. The gentle rhythm of her breathing. The soft movement of her heart in prayer.
In the silence, she finally heard what had been buried under years of noise.
God had been speaking all along.
Psalm 46 tells us:
“Be still, and know that I am God.”Not: Be busy and know.
Not: Be entertained and know.
Not: Be distracted and know.Be still.
Silence is where God waits for us.
III. Reflection — Why Silence Is So Hard
We live in a noisy world.
Phones buzz.
Music plays.
Videos scroll.
Opinions shout.
Schedules crowd.Even in prayer, we rush.
We speak more than we listen.
We ask more than we adore.
We fill every space with words.But God often speaks in stillness.
Elijah did not hear God in the wind, earthquake, or fire — but in a “still, small voice.”
Silence does three things:
It reveals what is in our hearts.
It humbles our restless spirit.
It opens us to God’s presence.
We avoid silence because it makes us face ourselves.
But when we stay with it,
silence becomes sacred.In silence:
We remember who God is.
We remember who we are.
We rediscover peace.
Lent invites us to reclaim holy quiet.
IV. Prayer — A Prayer for Stillness
Lord God,
You are present in every moment,
yet I often rush past You.My life is filled with noise.
My thoughts are scattered.
My heart is restless.I confess that I am afraid of silence.
Afraid of what I might hear.
Afraid of what I might feel.
Afraid of slowing down.But today, I choose stillness.
Teach me to rest in Your presence.
Teach me to listen more than speak.
Teach me to trust that You are working even when I am quiet.When my mind wanders, bring it back to You.
When my heart is anxious, calm it with Your peace.
When I am impatient, slow me with Your grace.Let silence become my sanctuary.
Let stillness become my prayer.
Let Your voice become my guide.Speak, Lord.
Your servant is listening.Amen.
V. Action for Today
Set aside 10 minutes of complete silence.
Turn off all devices during that time.
Sit quietly and repeat: “Lord, I am here.”
Write down anything God places on your heart.
Tonight, ask yourself:
Did I make space for God’s voice today?
