Matthew 6:6 (New International Version)
6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.Psalm 46:10 (New International Version)
10 "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
1 Kings 19:11-13 (New International Version)
11 The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
Luke 5:16 (New International Version)
16But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.***
As I returned home from work, I came in the house only to find that Aidan was outside playing, Morgan was at musical practice, and Bob was still at work. The perfect opportunity for some silent time! Instead of starting dinner as I had planned, or hopping on the computer as usual, I sat on the couch, eyes closed, in silence. When my mind wandered to the events of the day, I just said, "Be still." My quiet time lasted about 10 minutes, and I did end up asking the Lord to make the hard parts of my heart clean and soft again. I also asked Him to "search me and know my heart." The moment before my quiet time was interrupted, I heard the faintest sound of the windchimes outside. I would never have heard them if it weren't for the silence. And then the tornado that is my son entered the house ... ;-)
