Psalm 62:5-12 (NRSV)
For God alone my soul waits in silence,
for my hope is from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my deliverance and my honor;
my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.
Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah
Those of low estate are but a breath,
those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
they are together lighter than a breath.
Put no confidence in extortion,
and set no vain hopes on robbery;
if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
Once God has spoken;
twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord.
For you repay to all
according to their work.
Silence.
It is possible to have silence during worship. After hearing the joys and concerns of the congregation, I like to begin the pastoral prayer with silence. There is something about a congregation quieting themselves before God. When our week has been hectic and uncertain, waiting together to hear from the Lord is beneficial.
No matter whether we are of low or high estate, it is helpful to be silent before God. To know the power and steadfast love that belongs to God, is for us to know that God is our rock and salvation. We take a “Selah,” an interlude. Humbling ourselves, examining our lives, or taking a moment to pause, are what can happen in the silence we have before the God. Maybe in the silence, we can hear God, again.
God, we know you as our refuge. The psalmist knew setting aside time in silence was good. We are learning to be in silence. As we turn to you, may we once again hear you speak to us. Thank you for being our rock and salvation. It is in the name of Jesus that we hope to be found when you repay all of us according to our work. Amen.
Methodist Life 