A Prayer About Silence And Solitude

When I need time alone with God

LORD ABOVE,

Elijah courageously defied Ahab and Jezebel, confronted the prophets of Baal, and claimed a mighty victory for you. But in the aftermath he was hungry, exhausted, and afraid. When I read this story, I am struck by how you got his attention and then ministered to him. After the windstorm, the earthquake, and the fire, you spoke with a “gentle whisper.” Elijah had heard you earlier because you had told him to go to the mountain to meet you. But in the whisper you brought healing and hope. Like Elijah, I typically look for you in the wind—usually great preaching and teaching; the earthquake—powerful events; and fire—emotional gatherings. But at times you want to whisper to me. And for me to hear you, I should be alone with you . . . in a quiet place. You know this isn’t easy for me to do, but I need your voice now, Lord, in intimate conversation. As I pull away from my busy schedule and noisy world, please calm my troubled spirit and speak to me.

After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:11-13