Day 6: The Spiritual Discipline of Silence
By: Charles Sienkiewicz
Question: When was your last time you paused to be entirely still, “silent,” before God?
Bible Passage: Habakkuk 2:20 "But the LORD is in His holy temple; let everyone on earth be silent in His presence."
Reflection: The goal of practicing the discipline of spiritual silence – it is more about being, rather than doing. Silence is not empty; it is packed with awe, submission, and expectant trust.
The world is full of constant noise and distraction. The discipline of silence (not solitude) is about being strategic and intentional in how you make room for the Holy Spirit. The discipline of silence is about “What will God reveal to me?” not personal prayer. The discipline of silence reminds us that God reigns over all. The discipline of silence is about reverence and praise
Why we practice the discipline of silence: it’s about
• To hear from God – It is easier to focus on God when we eliminate the voices of the
outside world
• To restore our soul – Silence gives us the opportunity to recharge and allow the Holy
Spirit to fill us when we have become depleted, discouraged, or depressed
• To be filled with His Spirit – The process of sanctification (becoming more like Jesus)
happens through the power and indwelling of the Holy Spirit. When we practice the
discipline of silence, we allow the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out
• To prepare for knowing and following His will – in those moments of silence, God’s will
about our life, the situations we are in, can be seen with much more clarity
• What will God reveal to me?
How to practice the discipline of silence – How is intentional, individual and is less important than the why. It may look different for each individual and the season of their life:
• Choose places/times that calm: a favorite chair, a walk (e.g. sunrise or sunset), a place
• Use uninterrupted time (no phones) – it doesn’t have to be the same time everyday
• It’s not about the absence of noise, but removing things interfering with the things of
God
• It should be a place where it is “silent” allowing you to remain alert to the task at hand
• No preconceived expectations – read the Bible, pray, journal, express praise, reflect,
listen.
Prayer: Father, teach me the value of silence. Show me the place of silence so I may rest in your presence. Grant me the quietness of heart and mind to hear Your gentle whispers. Calm my restless heart and anxious thoughts, renew me for what you’ve called me to do. Amen.
Question: When was your last time you paused to be entirely still, “silent,” before God?
Bible Passage: Habakkuk 2:20 "But the LORD is in His holy temple; let everyone on earth be silent in His presence."
Reflection: The goal of practicing the discipline of spiritual silence – it is more about being, rather than doing. Silence is not empty; it is packed with awe, submission, and expectant trust.
The world is full of constant noise and distraction. The discipline of silence (not solitude) is about being strategic and intentional in how you make room for the Holy Spirit. The discipline of silence is about “What will God reveal to me?” not personal prayer. The discipline of silence reminds us that God reigns over all. The discipline of silence is about reverence and praise
Why we practice the discipline of silence: it’s about
• To hear from God – It is easier to focus on God when we eliminate the voices of the
outside world
• To restore our soul – Silence gives us the opportunity to recharge and allow the Holy
Spirit to fill us when we have become depleted, discouraged, or depressed
• To be filled with His Spirit – The process of sanctification (becoming more like Jesus)
happens through the power and indwelling of the Holy Spirit. When we practice the
discipline of silence, we allow the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out
• To prepare for knowing and following His will – in those moments of silence, God’s will
about our life, the situations we are in, can be seen with much more clarity
• What will God reveal to me?
How to practice the discipline of silence – How is intentional, individual and is less important than the why. It may look different for each individual and the season of their life:
• Choose places/times that calm: a favorite chair, a walk (e.g. sunrise or sunset), a place
• Use uninterrupted time (no phones) – it doesn’t have to be the same time everyday
• It’s not about the absence of noise, but removing things interfering with the things of
God
• It should be a place where it is “silent” allowing you to remain alert to the task at hand
• No preconceived expectations – read the Bible, pray, journal, express praise, reflect,
listen.
Prayer: Father, teach me the value of silence. Show me the place of silence so I may rest in your presence. Grant me the quietness of heart and mind to hear Your gentle whispers. Calm my restless heart and anxious thoughts, renew me for what you’ve called me to do. Amen.
2 Comments
Excellent observation. I don't think I ever heard this concept delivered more insightful.
Bain still in silence. It's a longest gift of life grown strong in the walks of God. Your church is where you are. The word in the Bible is so powerful. No worship of music is as well but when you spend time alone in silence, it's a perfect gift to grow your love with him. Amen ?