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.
TUESDAY, August 31 (Aidan)
Psalm 39. While I pondered, the fire burst into flame.
“Activism does not make theologians…The voice of God is heard only in quiet. Good tidings are at everyone’s door if they would stop talking and listen to the knock.”
These are the words of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, advice from a wise priest that every Christian should take seriously. He calls it the “therapy of silence.” It is true that the more burdened we are with responsibilities, the more we need silence to meditate.
It is in meeting God in this quietness, alone, that we begin to learn how to hear God’s voice. It is in meeting God face to face that we are brought to see our sinfulness and to know forgiveness. It is in God’s peace that we obtain the peace that passes understanding.
While we are musing, while we meditate, the fire kindles. The Holy Spirit operates in a way which is impossible in our busyness. Spiritual lives are developed in silence, where the deep things of our lives are shaped. (1973)
Help me to be still and know that you are God.
PRAY for the Diocese of Gombe (Province of Jos, Nigeria)
Ps 26, 28 * 36, 39; Job 12:1; 13:3-17, 21-27; Acts 12:1-17; John 8:33-47
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
Check out Lent Madness -- daily devotions with the saints that are fun and informative.
Download the new Readers' Guide for the February Forward Day by Day! Updated monthly.
Claim Your Free Gift Now! Simply subscribe to our e-news by using the form below. You will then be able to download our "Ten Ways to Pray" ebook!
Be sure to confirm your preferences and check your email after subscribing. The link to your free gift is found in your "Welcome" email.
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/hide comments
Show/hide comment form
I pray for a world culture that celebrates the unique inner-self, and builds places for it.
God, "...hallowed be your name..."