Be still

A few years ago I taught a lesson on Psalm 46:10 -- "Be still and know that I am God."

The lesson explored the fact that our society values action. 'Busy hands are happy hands.' 'The idle mind is the devil's playground.' 'If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.' Being still runs counter to our 'can do' spirit, our American self-sufficiency.

The lesson then explored how exactly we can be still, how we can wait on the Lord, how we can learn not to default to random activity as a replacement for recognizing God's sovereignty.

As a conclusion for the lesson, I wrote a prayer.

Over the years (the lesson was presented in July of 2003) I have received numerous requests for copies of the prayer. So I am posting it here for any who want it.



Gracious Lord,

I am intentionally stilling my physical and mental activity in order to place myself in your hands.

I am consciously making my body rest in your presence. I am halting all the busyness of my hands and feet. I am waiting in your presence for your decisions, actions, steps.

I am forcing my mind to focus on you and your awesome power and love. I am putting all my worries, all my fears, all my self-justification aside. All the self-talk, all the mental chatter is stopped for me to meditate on your love for me and the safety of your wisdom.

I am being still because I know that my frantic actions and thoughts serve only to distance me from you and your peace.

I am waiting like a child in full confidence that you, Father, know what is best for me. I rest in the security that you always work things together for good for those who love you.

I breathe in your peace, knowing that you can do immeasurably more than I ask or imagine. I rest in you, and in my weakness, your strength is made perfect. I wait for your solutions that come in your time.

I pray all these things through the name of your Son, who showed us your wisdom and love and power.

Amen

ks 7/8/03