Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
SUNDAY, August 7
1 Kings 19:9-18. Now there was a great wind.… but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence.
Korea is a mountainous country, and mountains are important in its religions and folk beliefs. Many people climb a mountain for prayer or spiritual vision. The effort of climbing focuses our attention and the view from the top gives a clear vision and new perspective to what is familiar. Above the clamor of daily life we can hear “within” more clearly.
In today’s Bible passage Elijah has climbed Mount Carmel. He is burned out. He doubts his mission and the purpose of his life. The usual dramatic signs of God’s mountaintop presence (wind, earthquake and fire) pass him by but he cannot see God in them. They no longer speak to him. After this noise and activity comes “sheer silence,” and he finally hears God’s voice giving him reassurance and direction.
We too can struggle to hear God’s voice in many ways, but perhaps the answer lies in doing away with our own activity and letting God speak in the “sheer silence.”
PRAY for the Diocese of Remo (Province of Lagos, Nigeria)
Ps 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b and Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28—OR—Ps 85:8-13 and 1 Kings 19:9-18; Romans 10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-23
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The disciplines of the spirit may seem like work, much like climbing the mountain. But, it is a much harder struggle for us to continue each day without the sheer silence in the presence of God.
Thank you for this timely word.