Contemporary worship overdoses on words and songs, with little space for silence. We think it’s all about us addressing God…it should be about God addressing us. If we speak or sing too much we crowd him out.
I was confronted by that commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:1-7, from Derek Tidball, a Baptist minister in the UK, writing for Scripture Union. It's wise counsel for an improved prayer life:
Lord Christ,
Are these prayers or a form of self-expression - with the emphasis on self?
Am I focused on my words - or you?
Am I inclined to talk too much - and listen to little?
Guard your steps when you go to the house of God.
Go near to listen... Do not be quick with your mouth…let your words be few. (Ecclesiates 5:1-3)
I’m lifting my fingers from the keyboard - creating a space to listen.
Amen.
Photo credit:
Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville NC (a space for listening to God)
