REFLECTIONS

Be Still and Know

Memories of my hometown school years include a couple of our classroom clowns. In elementary school, Richie consistently found ways to interrupt our teachers with an endless array of antics that drew attention from the teacher’s lesson. His hilarious conduct even found the teachers unable to conceal their laughter while still frantically trying to regain classroom order.

Eugene added equally clownish antics to our middle school classrooms when he moved to town. He had a knack for disrupting class with untimely requests for restroom breaks followed by some comical exit that left us unable to suppress our laughter. Of course, an orderly environment is important for students to concentrate attention on the teacher’s lessons. Much to our teachers’ chagrin, both Richie and Eugene masterfully diverted ours.

Jesus faced similar issues with his disciples. Remember when Jesus took Peter, James, and John to pray in Gethsemane only to find them sleeping?  He asked Peter, “Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?” (Matthew 26:40)

Scripture tells of Jesus’ long nights in prayer; so like most of us, the disciples were challenged to maintain their attention. Perhaps one of his long prayer sessions had once prompted one of his disciples to say, “Lord, teach us to pray,” (Luke 11:1) In response, Jesus taught them the beautiful prayer we know as The Lord’s Prayer. But to pray all night, or to pray without ceasing as Paul encouraged the Thessalonians,[1] even Jesus must have engaged with God in something more than a list of requests. Perhaps most of that time Jesus simply directed his attention on being present with the Father.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) Note that Jesus placed no requirement to utter a word—only, “Come to me and [connect] with me.”

Be still, and know that I am God. Sometimes, I find it helpful to enter prayer like a private tutoring session. With no one with me except the Teacher, I speak about anything I want him to hear. Then in the stillness, listen for his wisdom. Sometimes I hear him speak in the quiet of my mind. Sometimes I hear him through scripture, or what someone wrote or said. And sometimes in stillness, I simply feel his presence.

A classical definition of prayer is “lifting mind and heart to God.” Prayer is communion with God. Communion forms a bond. A bond establishes oneness.

And Jesus was one with God.

You are the light of the world,

Richard +

www.reflectingthesavior.org

[1] 1 Thessalonians 5:17 NKJV

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