Day 11: Stillness

Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few.

Ecclesiastes 5:2 (NASB 95)

In prayer, we often feel the need to fill the silence. If we perceive that no one is talking, we may feel that nothing is happening and we’re wasting time.

Or instead, to know that our prayer time was more “effective,” we drum up some emotion and use large Christian words & phrases to convince God to move more quickly or powerfully.

Yet our God already knows all our needs. He hears the prayers of all His saints all around the world at all times. He is sovereign and has a divine plan, from the largest part to the smallest detail. Yet, He still instructs us to come to Him in prayer.

“Prayer is primarily about relating to God even when words are not used.”
-Skye Jethani

Today, present your requests to God, but simply name them. You’ve told Him what they are, and He already knows. Then spend some time resting in His presence.

Notice if you hear Him speak anything to you. Allow time for this. It might be related to the needs you brought to Him, and it may not be.

He may not speak anything to you, and instead wants you to simply grow in sensing His holy presence.