The Sound of Sheer Silence--Jan. 3, 2014

 Elijah heard the sound of sheer silence,

and then, dear God, he heard your voice.

Jesus withdrew to the mountain by himself.

O God, teach us to heed these things; teach us

when we need to withdraw to the mountain--

when to listen for the sound of sheer silence,

and to consider your steadfast love,

and to be renewed in the

spirit of our minds,

that we may

hear your

voice.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 111; 148; 107; 15

1 Kings 19:9-18

Eph. 4:17-32

John 6:15-27

Selected Verses

Ps. 107:43

Let those who are wise give heed to these things,
          and consider the steadfast love of the LORD.

1 Kings 19:12b-13

…and after the fire a sound of sheer silence.  When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.  Then there came a voice to him that said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

Eph. 4:22-23

You were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds…

John 6:15

When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.