First Steps – March 20, 2023

During this season of Lent, I’m using the disciplines of silence and solitude. Early in the morning, when I wake up, I embrace the silence of the morning. I refrain from turning on anything that has noise. I refrain from speaking. I try to do the same thing during the day, although it is harder because of my responsibilities to other people.  My daily goal is to be observant of my own thoughts and reflective enough to invite God’s Spirit into my processing.  I want to hear the things that are normally unheard of because of all the daily noise. 
 
Fortunately, I was able to sneak away for a few days to enjoy one of my favorite beaches. For me, practicing the disciplines of silence and solitude was definitely easier at a beach. While sitting alone, I heard the waves gently crashing on the shore. With each wave, I imagined God’s grace coming like waves over me, one after the other, never ceasing.  How peaceful those moments were. I don’t know how long I stayed there, but it was long enough to be at peace, be full of joy and gratitude, and drift in humble awe of God’s goodness.
 
Silence and solitude create the space needed for holy imagination.  When all other sounds are silenced, a different voice emerges; a quiet voice that whispers. In those moments by the seashore, that voice said, “My grace is like these waves, never ceasing, gentle yet powerful.”  My hope for you today is that you will silence the noise around you so that a different voice can speak to your soul. Listen for that voice, imagine the closeness and peace it brings.



 

 
This Week’s Readings:
*Monday – Matthew 11, Matthew 12, Matthew 13
*Tuesday – Matthew 14, Matthew 15, Matthew 16,
*Wednesday – Matthew 17, Matthew 18, Matthew 19
*Thursday – Matthew 20, Matthew 21, Matthew 22
*Friday – Matthew 23, Matthew 24, Matthew 25


Prayer Requests:
*Heal those who are sick and protect those who are not.
*Comfort those who are grieving and in distress.
*Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times.
*Guidance for those seeking to find their way.
*Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6