Instructions to guide you in a prayerful practice of silence and solitude meditating on Psalm 139.
Preparation:
IMPORTANT: Read these instructions in their entirety before you begin; and then, put your device/phone/laptop away where it cannot be a distraction. Read the psalm from a paper Bible, not your phone. Try to make sure you have at least a few moments of uninterrupted silence for this practice. Be realistic and honest about how much space and stamina you have for this practice. Some of us will welcome stillness and silence and plan for 10 minutes or more. But most of us will likely struggle to get through even 3-5 minutes of silence—and that is ok! Set aside whatever time you think reasonable, set a timer if that helps. Get into a comfortable position but not too comfortable, so you don’t fall asleep.
Practice:
Most of us will find it difficult not to think about all the various Other-Things we could be doing instead. To help keep yourself anchored during your time of silence, you might try a centering prayer using scripture. In Psalm 139:8 as David recalls the wonders and the precious intimacy of God, he remembers the presence of the Lord: “I awake, and I am still with You” As your mind wanders over the next few moments of stillness and silence—and it most certainly will—you might try something like this:
Breath In: “I am…”
Breath Out: “… still with You.”
Each time your mind wanders or Other-Things creep in, breathe your centering prayer, concentrating on the rhythm of your breathing until your mind is still once again. It may take a few breaths to get there!
First, read Psalm 139:1-18
Now, after reading the Psalm, begin your time of silence with three deep breaths—inhale deeply and exhale slowly. Try to be still “with all your heart, mind, body and soul” (Luke 10:27). Then spend whatever time you have allotted yourself in silence. As thoughts come, or anxieties rise, or distractions pull you away from being still in the presence of God, simply return your mind’s attention and your heart’s affection to God with the centering prayer above.
Reflection:
Don’t make any judgments about what just happened. Don’t “evaluate” the experience or judge yourself. Today, let it be enough to create some space to be still with God, allowing your innermost self to come into view in the safe presence of a Father who loves and cares for you. Once your time is over, simply thank God for your time with Him and move on to what is next in your day.
That’s it! It really is that simple.
(Now, turn your device off.)