I came across this quote a while ago and it really resonated with me:
What deadens us most to God's presence within, I think, is the inner dialogue that we are engaged in within ourselves, the endless chatter of human thought. I suspect that there is nothing more crucial to true spiritual comfort than being able from time to time to stop that chatter, including the chatter of spoken prayer. - Frederick Buechner
I can so relate to that "inner dialogue" thing. Not that there's anything wrong with thinking, certainly a God-given part of our makeup. But yes, at times, it does tend to drown out everything else. At first, I had to pause at the part about spoken prayer, but I'd have to agree that at times, my prayer is just that - chatter. I so easily forget the other part of the conversation - listening.
So does this ring true for you at all? If so, how have you found ways to balance the "inner dialogue" with making room for God's presence and voice in your life?
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Quotation and Reflections 1
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7 comments:
Yes, this really hits home with me. As LISTEN as my word for the year I am trying to practice this TURN OFF in my head.
I am visualizing. I am closing my eyes and "seeing" Jesus. I am, in my head, worshipping Him without my words. It has quieted my soul. Sitting at his feet, closing my eyes in His presence, sometimes just prostrating myself on the floor. Visualizing takes away the need to speak, even in my head.
Getting quiet is hard. It really, really is. And it has nothing to do with the tv or phone. It is in our heads, you are right.
This is interesting. Recently I have found that spoken prayer has eliminated that constant chatter and droning that used to occur in my head when I prayed silently.
But, yes, real quiet before God is a huge source of "spiritual comfort" (and I really like that phrase).
You make a good point, Jennifer. I didn't equate "spoken" with praying out loud. I think praying out loud does help focus.
Love the quote. Stopping the incessant chatter in my head is a constant struggle!
Hmmm. . .you make me think. Yes, I get lost in my head a lot. Doesn't any writer? Isn't that part of our makeup? We write to get some of that stuff out. But it is a hindrance sometimes to the voice of God. For me, getting up much earlier or being up much later than everyone in my house helps and I'm not sure why, but the darkness of the night or early morning hours helps me listen better too.
I was with a group of women this week, and one was telling us how she was 'talking to God, just like I talk to all of you, just like this' as she was going on and on, and I seriously just thought, it must wear God out for us to drone on and on instead of telling him our needs, and then taking a breath to listen to him now and then. Great quote - great post.
Pausing to listen is quite the discipline for some of us. But I really try to remember that the bible says to "Be still and know that I am God". I think that at different times will include being still in body, mind, and tongue. Great post!
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