Be Still

The excerpt from today’s Psalms 37 begins with the line, “Be still before the Lord and wait for him with patience.” It strikes a chord deep within me. I am reminded of another line from Psalm 46, “Be still, and know that I am God.” I ponder the meaning of this phrase resonating so strongly, and I expect that it will be revealed in time.

Tom has arranged with Sr. Mechtilde to be at the beginning of the Prayer of the Heart retreat. We join the circle of women already gathered in the Oblates Room. Sr. Dorothy lights the candle and we introduce ourselves. There are as many people new to the practices as there are regular attendees.

We learn that this prayer practice predates the time of Christ. Sister explains that it is similar to the Centering Prayer that Tom has started with the guidance of the writings of Thomas Keating, Basil Pennington, and Cynthia Bourgeault. Before we begin, Ginny shares about her recent trip to Egypt, Jordan, and the Holy Land. She is an Oblate of the Monastery, and her reverence for her experiences is deep. We and one other woman have been to the Holy Land, and we understand her feelings.

After Tom leaves to help prepare lunch, Sr. Dorothy rings the bell for the first “sitting.” This is how she refers to the 25 minutes we will sit in silence, still and expectant, waiting on the Lord.