Crowded Hearts

Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain.
-Jesus, Mark 4:7

I'm away for a prayer retreat for a few days, so today's offering is simple and quiet. I'm quite aware that many people don't have the luxury of spending a few days in silence and prayer. Yet even in my own life, there have been so many times that I have neglected God's gift of stillness. Of limits. Of silence. But it is available to us all, throughout each day, if we choose it. 

Our hearts are filled with many things, like a busy train station of distractions, worries, expectations, insecurities, and hopes. Yet Jesus peacefully fills the quiet spaces of our lives when we empty out the competing voices. He sets our hearts at rest. So I invite you today, to find space to stop and pray this prayer. Do it is slowly, with your phone off and your spirit attentive, and receive the gift of God. 
It was written by Thomas Merton.

Uncrowd my heart, oh God
Until Silence speaks
   in your still small voice;
turn me from the hearing of words,
and the making of words,
and the confusion of much speaking,
to listening
    waiting
    stillness
    silence.
 
Amen.
​
Peace,
Keith

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