Silence

Friday, August 25, 2006 -- Week of Proper 15 (Louis of France)

"Morning Reflections" is a brief thought about the scripture readings from the Daily Office of Morning and Evening Prayer according to the practice found in the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church.

Morning Prayer begins on p. 80 of the Book of Common Prayer.
Evening Prayer begins on p. 117

An online resource for praying the Daily Office is found at www.missionstclare.com
Another form of the office from Phyllis Tickle's "Divine Hours" is available on our partner web site www.ExploreFaith.org at this location -- http://explorefaith.org/prayer/fixed/index.html

Today's Readings for the Daily Office (p. 981)
Psalm 140, 142 (morning) // 141, 143:1-11(12) (evening)
Job 2:1-13
Acts 9:1-9
John 6:27-40

Sometimes words cannot help. When Job's three friends come to see him after his tragedies, they cry, they tear their robes as a sign of mourning, and they sit with him for seven days and nights, saying nothing to him. They do not speak until Job speaks. (It might have been better had they continued to observe silence with him. Their speeches will not help.)

Sometimes words cannot help. I know of someone who suffered from a lengthy bout of depression. The person who he found best supported him was someone who came by regularly and sat with him without feeling the need to engage in conversation. His silence and faithful presence was a powerful sign of unqualified love.


Lowell
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The Rev. Lowell Grisham
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, AR