Day 10 – Silence + Solitude + Prayer
WEEK 2:
On days 8-14 of our time of prayer and fasting, we are focusing on Revelation 21:22 – Revelation 22:5, which centers around the restoration of the Garden of Eden.
Read the passage and return to it as needed for your daily quiet time.
This Week's Passage — Revelation 21:22 – 22:5
22 I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. 25 On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. 26 The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. 27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Ch. 22
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
Silence + Solitude + Prayer
When was the last time you paused to really listen? To slow down, set aside the to-do list, and allow yourself to be fully immersed in God’s presence? If you’ve ever struggled to hear from Him, it’s not unusual. We get so busy and busy-minded that we often aren’t tuned to His voice. Rest assured, if last week’s time of silence and solitude didn’t come as easily as you would’ve liked, that’s okay! You’re not alone, and today is another opportunity to practice tuning out the noise that so easily distracts.
While it may initially seem intimidating, we know that choosing to intentionally disconnect, even if only for just a few moments, from what typically demands your attention to spend time in silence and solitude with God will satisfy your soul’s deepest desire of truly being known and loved as you are. After all, Jesus, who was fully man yet fully God, got away from the crowds—and even His disciples—to pour out His heart and be refilled in His Father’s presence. Now is the time to untether your mind’s tendency to follow the empty ways of the world and instead begin paying attention to what’s going on in your inner world. Allow the silence to lead you to prayer as God brings to the surface all the things that you’ve been avoiding and that have likely been holding you back from some of the beautiful plans He has for you.
Again, find a calm, quiet space with minimal to no distractions. Turn off your phone, computer, and TV. If necessary, close the door and ask others not to disturb you. Depending on where you are, you may want to light a candle or use an essential oil diffuser. Sitting outside or going for a walk are other options for this time. Remember, be patient. Don’t focus on doing anything, and allow yourself to simply be with God.
Next Steps:
- When you have found your space, decide on a timeframe. We suggest starting with five to ten minutes. Setting a timer may be helpful so that you don’t continually check the time.
- Keep in mind that these first few moments are not intended to be a time of prayer or meditating on Scripture. This is simply a time to rest and be with your Heavenly Father.
- If possible, close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths and pray, “In God alone my soul finds rest.” (Psalm 62:1)
- As you begin to get quiet, notice what you hear around you and then begin to release it, blocking out the noise and distracting thoughts.
- When your mind begins to wander, gently bring it back to stillness by taking more deep breaths and silently repeating “In God alone my soul finds rest.”
- When your time of solitude and silence has ended, take one more deep breath, praying a prayer of thanks to God for His presence and the gift of peace and rest in Him.
- Notice how your body responded to the stillness. Has your heart rate and breathing slowed? Are your neck and shoulders more relaxed?
- Reflect on this time. Take a mental note, journal, or talk to God about what it was like for you.
- Consider asking Holy Spirit to highlight any particular moments or journal prompts from this week, and allow Him to guide you as you pray.
Weekly Prayer Services
We also invite you to join us at your campus for a time of corporate prayer! Click here to learn more about prayer times at each of our campuses, and make sure to add it to your calendar. We’d love to see you there!
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