July 4th, 2009
The Power of Silence
At a recent communion service, we focused on “The Power of Silence.” As part of the teaching, I asked and allowed for fifteen minutes of silence in order to experience God and His truth in the silence. We focused on Psalm 96. The assignment was to pray for God to open our eyes to something He had for us, read His Word in a way to hear His voice, circle thoughts in the text that jumped out at us, meditate on those thoughts, and then to write a prayer.
To be honest, it was a risk. Asking thousands of people, who set aside time and made sacrifices to come to a service, to sit in silence and contemplate God on their own. The risk paid off. In all my years of ministry, I have never experienced sustained silence in the context of a church gathering like that night. (This is noting the one exception of a baby that didn’t fully embrace the idea.) As I remember it, even the normally pervasive coughing that seems to always erupt in moments of silence was kept at bay. From my vantage point, we genuinely experienced “The Power of Silence” in the context of community. It was impacting.
During this time, I not only participated but was impacted by the experience. At the end of my time with God, I wrote this prayer.
“God, You’re the real deal…not a made up, imaginary, self-serving god like those most people waste their lives pursuing. No, You are the One true God…the great I Am. Nothing changes this – heaven always declares it…as does Your creation.
“Yet, often I don’t!
“While the sun reveals Your strength, steadfastness, and splendor, my life, words, attitudes, and actions often don’t. Please forgive me.
“Help me to become as faithful at reflecting Your majesty as the rest of Your creation. Help my life to ascribe to You the glory due Your Name.
“I love You…help me to reveal and reflect this love in and through the way I live.”
My prayer is that you will allow yourself to experience “The Power of Silence” that comes when you take the time to turn off and shut out all the noise in order to spend time with God and His Word. You won’t be disappointed. After all, God has promised that His Word will never return empty, (Isaiah 55:11).
Categorized: Leadership |
Meghan
I was there that night. And even though I was two rows behind said crying baby…
I have never been more impacted by one of your services – and I’ve been coming to NRC since I was 15. I’m 24 now.
It’s interesting that you shared these thoughts today, because this morning, I woke up and knew that I needed that Power of Silence – and for the first time since that service, spent an hour on my deck pouring over the Bible in complete silence.
God’s voice is so much clearer in my life since that Communion. I actually find I have the power to shut out anything unnecessary, and focus on His Word, which is something I never thought I could attain.
Thank you for those 15 minutes. They meant more to me than a hundred services.
Toni
I have been coming to Northridge for almost four years now, been a full member for almost three. That night was one of the most powerful I have ever experienced since and really “stuck” with me. I remember not only writing my prayer (which I carry with me always) but actually being brought to tears by the sheer power of being in the presence of God and His voice in my heart. I used to take time every single day to sit in silence and wait and listen to God but had let that “slide” for a few months…I don’t know why or how I started letting it slide….but since that night I have made sure to make that part of my day again. In fact, I just finished my time with God just before I turned on my computer and read this!
I have experienced so many wonderful things at New Life, and regular services and Small Group, etc. since I joined NR. This particular night, however, was one of the most wonderful. Thank you for your part in a wonderful evening with the great I AM.
Lezlie Cebulski
Having attended a Society of Friends (Quaker) college, I attended many silent meetinghouse services years ago. There is power in the silence, because we can hear the Holy Spirit without all distractions. I love the services at Northridge, but have honestly wished we would have moments of silence sometimes– to hear God speak to our hearts.
bob burnside
I was at that service also.I couldn’t help to notice the irony in the silence and our crying baby…………….only in God’s family and our church…I love you crying baby.
Kathy
That was Incredible and is still changing my life to this moment.
God Rocks!
Debbie Walker
Brad:
This had to be one of the most powerful and moving services I had attended in quite some time, not to say that all of the services leave me with full but I have never been so moved by a service…it was a blessing to write my letter to God and express my thankfulness for all he has done and continues to do for us. Thank you for once again opening my eyes and filling my heart. God bless you and your family and have a blessed vacation
Pastor Roger Koelmeyer
Pastor Brad,
I met you at Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Summit In May 19th to21st. I was the guy from Sri Lanka that came up and spoke to you.
I was so challenged by your teaching. I got your book and enjoyed reading it. I finished it too soon, but will read it again.
Thank you for your insights and the challenge you gave us in California. I will not be the same again.
Bye for now
Roger.
deb harless
“BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD”
psalm 46;10
I know this first hand to be silent to hear God’s majestic voice, to quiet my own thoughts , to surrender even my breath to the Lord, only when I do this do I truly hear and feel His Glory over my heart , its the most wonderful feeling …Praise Jesus for His Sacrafice , His Blood washes me a clean as snow , and allows me to go bodly before His throne, to be completely God’s child.
Bless all of you in Michigan,,from NRC in New England….nh