We enter the land of silence by the silence of surrender, and there is no map of the silence that is surrender…. The practice of silence…cannot be reduced to a spiritual technique. Techniques are all the rage today. They suggest a certain control that aims to determine a certain outcome. They clearly have their place. But this is not what contemplative practice does…. A spiritual practice simply disposes us to allow something to take place. For example, a gardener does not actually grow plants. A gardener practices certain gardening skills that facilitate growth that is beyond the gardener’s direct control.
~Martin Laird in Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation
For me, I think the practices of
slowing down,
studying the Bible,
and seeking God in His creation
have facilitated the most growth in my spiritual life.
How about you?
In the stillness,
Sandy
Welcome to the Still Saturday Community where we pause after a busy week, move in quiet pilgrimage, maybe linger a while in some still place, and soak in the beauty of images and reflect on the depth of sparse words. We’d love for you to join us. Grab the button and link up below. We all love to hear if something especially speaks to your heart, but please don’t feel pressured to comment. Simply take some time to be still together, to gaze long and drink deep.
I’m pretty sure that Jesus is particularly fond of the seashore, because whenever I am walking my the sea, or sitting on a rock overlooking the shore, He’s especially near and I always seem to hear Him more clearly. With just my Bible, my journal and my pen, in my most difficult seasons this is where I go to find Him, to hear Him, and it seems He waits for me there in our special place.
Yes. For me, the contemplation follows the reading of scripture and prayer, “Father, what would you have me do about this?” Have a beautiful weekend, my friend. xox
Blessings, Sandra. Always blessed to visit in His silence and stillness. Sanctuary and thoughts on Him.
Joy to you!
Kathy
Adding writing to the list you gave us above, and that’s me. 🙂 Blessings!
I’ll be thinking about this quote “A spiritual practice simply disposes us to allow something to take place.” If a certain technique guaranteed a certain end, it would be more like a magic spell than fellowship with our Creator.
I love your black and white photos of corn tassels, Sandra.
I was reading the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10 this week and contemplating the idea of casting aside the busyness of life and sitting at the feet of Jesus. This is the perfect addition to that. We cannot listen if we aren’t silent. Thank you!
Loved the quote you shared! May I allow myself to be disposed so as to allow room for something to take place. For me it seems to happen in the quietness of the morning, alone with His Word. May you have a blessed Sunday!
Thank you for reminding us to slow down. And thank you too for the love you share by linking up to Photo Friday. You know I love you, my friend!