We must all take the time to be silent and to contemplate, especially those who live in big cities like London and New York, where everything moves so fast....I always begin my prayer in silence, for it is in the silence of the heart that God speaks. God is the friend of silence - we need to listen to God because its not what we say but what He says to us and through us that matters. Prayer feeds the soul - as blood is to the body, prayer is to the soul and it brings you closer to God.
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Dear Tony
Despite my Lenten intention to read and respond to your previous day’s blog early the next morning, I got into what my friends call “my campaign mode” last evening. So it was not until 3.00 pm today that I printed out the blog to read over my Roast dinner at my local Hoe Street café.
“God is the friend of Silence” reminded me of my friend June in Scotland, a Christian of the Roman variety who avoids using religious language except when singing. We share a common belief and passion for the “Sound of Silence” - a very full silence rather than an empty silence. One of her favourite hymns is “Be Still my Soul”, which I can easily translate into my own “atheistic” language/experience. I do not know if it is used in the Anglican tradition, but it is listed as number 52 in the hymn book used in her local church. During our walks together in the Scottish countryside, one of us would sometimes suddenly say “52”, to indicate we felt briefly “in touch with something”.
On going home after my Sunday dinner I found the tape she had made me of her singing this and other songs she found significant. Unfortunately life intruded! Just as I settled down to listen to it, my local Councillor arrived at my door with a pile of leaflets for me to deliver for the forthcoming local elections on May 4! “Creative Tension between contemplation and Action!”
I do not apologise for my response being longer than your original blog, but at this late hour I have followed your advice from your January 4 blog and written out the words of “Be Still my Soul”
Be Still My Soul/The Lord is on your side/Bear patiently the cross of grief and pain/Leave to your God to order and provide/In every change he faithful will remain.
Be still my soul/Your best, your heavenly friend/Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still my soul/Your God will undertake/To guide the future as he has the past/Your hope, your confidence, let nothing shake/All now mysterious shall be clear at last.
Be still my soul/The tempests still obey/His voice who ruled them once on Galilee.
Be still my soul/The hour is hastening on/When we shall meet forever with the Lord/ When disappointment, grief and fear are gone/Sorrow forgotten, Love’s pure joy restored.
Be still my soul/When change and tears are past/All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
Thanks, Mate
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