Quiet, Please.

Greetings,
It is good to talk to you again. All is well. Besides much happening in the holy ministry, I personally have spent Advent, Christmas and Epiphany seasons being more intentional about increasing my quiet times of contemplation / prayer. What a blessing this has been and continues to be!

We live in a very busy, often frenetic, world with many distractions and noises which compete for our every thought. With all these internally motivated thoughts and externally motivated thoughts going through our heads, how are we to even carve out a mental spot to truly focus on our time with the Lord? It is not easy, but not impossible either. Remember, as James says, "God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." First turn off electronics (TV, Radios, Phones, etc.) which are non-essential. Prepare by praying for the Holy Spirit to help you (and He will), read your devotion for the day (e.g. Portals of Prayer) or read a portion of scripture, think about it (meditate on it) apply it to yourself. Often we scurry off and forget what we have just read. Instead STAY THERE for a period of time simply enjoying being in the presence of the Lord. While doing so, do not let your mind scamper about like a squirrel - just be silent physically and mentally. Simply, hold to one thought.

Let your mind remain focused on His Word for a period of time before you jump up and run off, remembering that God is where His Word is. The Book of Psalms has a curiously untranslated little word that appears 75 times. The word is "Selah." Hebrew is not my specialty, but I understand that it means to be quiet and meditate, ponder or contemplate. (e.g. Ps. 67:1) The Psalmist also writes "Be still and know that I am God." (Ps.46:10) While you quietly sit with His Word couched in your mind and heart, know (ponder on) that you are cradled in HIM. Know that He rejoices over you with singing (Zeph3:17).

If friends and family are too rational to appreciate such a spiritual practice, then here is a rational reason for them allowing you to do it. It is good for you - read the article via the URL provided below. There are good reasons that God has called us to do certain things like prayer and entering into our "prayer closet." I love it when science once again discovers an ancient Christan secret.
Blessings+
Father Daniel

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/shut-and-listen/201002/everyday-noise-is-killing-us

Behold the Lamb of God Who Takes Away the Sin of the World

In the Name of Father and of the Son ( + ) and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Almighty and everlasting God who hatest nothing that Thou hast made and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent. Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.

We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee, because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world. Amen.

Blessings+

Father Daniel