Returning to Stillness

Mid-June and we are on our way to summer. For many of us summer is the time when the fun really gets going, long hot days to enjoy out and about.

There is feeling of urgency, that we must get out more, do more.

A feeling that if you don’t spend the weekend down the beach, flying a kite, sailing, jogging, exploring, playing cricket, hosting fourteen brunches and BBQs and of course documenting it all on Instagram, well there is a feeling you have failed at “Summer”.

And so, we get busy.  Add to that the ongoing pandemic that leaves us in a constant state of change, confusion, and flux.

There is a real risk that we will get so caught up in it all that we forget the amazing value of stillness.

That beautiful quality of stillness, of simply being with yourself, your surroundings, your thoughts.

In that stillness just letting your thoughts drift upward to God, and then they become prayer.

I think now, more than ever, we need to remember the value in returning to stillness,

Lets us take a moment to simply still our hearts, our bodies, our minds, and go to God in prayer.

Lord,

We thank you for this moment of stillness.

This opportunity to sit and rest in your presence.

There is nothing more we need to do now than simply be still with you. Through this stillness you bring us all we need for the rest of this day; all we need as we move into next week.

You gave us all we need right from the start, we thank you for these moments of stillness when we reconnect with that knowledge that you have already provided us with all we need to do the work you gently ask of us.

Lord, when the world is chaotic, remind us to be still.

Pull us to one side Lord and focus us so that we take that moment to be still and listen.

Listen to the world around us, listen to what is being said and listen to what is truly meant. Listen what is spoken and hear what goes unspoken.

When we get caught up in the day to day demands of life, Lord, bring us a moment that causes us to stop.

Cause us to be still and dream; to let our hopes and thoughts that get pressed down because of our to do lists gently float to the surface.

In that stillness may our thoughts and wishes sit and simmer and brew and bring us hope and excitement.

Doing is so important, but it is by the stillness that breaks up each paragraph of doing, that we ensure we are staying true to our dreams and hopes.

 We thank you Lord that you have made each of us interesting, creative, beings who yearn to fulfil your word in so many weird and wonderful ways.

Let it always start from a place of stillness.

Lord when we aren’t sure what’s really going  on, or feel lost by the constant ebb and flow, the constant changes in life, give us an opportunity to step to one side and be still.

Be still and discern what next steps need to be taken next. Holy Spirit, may we be still so that the gifts that you give us so freely are given space to flourish; knowledge, awe, wisdom, discernment. When we quieten that which goes on around us, we can truly hear what gifts you are calling us to use next.

As we enter the new week, Heavenly Parent, may we always remember to respect the needs of others to be quiet, to be still. May we give them the time and space they need so that they too may connect with you.

Amen