We will use the following video from Red River Arts for the next few days. The song was written during a silent retreat.
Scripture:
1 Samuel 3:8-10
8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”
1 Kings 19:11-13
11 And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.
Burning Heart by Keith Atkinson
Speak Lord, your servant’s listening
I’m like a child, listening for his Father’s voice
Speak Lord, for when I hear you
All is well and how my heart rejoices
Still small voice, whisper of whispers
I think I can hear you
But I must be still and silent
Living word, break through the darkness
Speak in the silence and fill me with your light
Oh, I have a burning heart to be with you
Oh, I have a burning heart to be with you
Oh Lord, Oh Lord
Speak Lord, for my Good Shepherd
Your gentle voice is the only voice I hear
You lead me to peaceful waters
You lay me down in green pastures
And quiet every fear
Your word is a flame, Your word is a fire
It makes my heart, burn with love for you.
Actions:
Watch the video and listen to Keith’s song. Spend five minutes in silence before the Lord. Each time your mind wanders, say, “Speak Lord your servant is listening.” What took place as you waited before the Lord? How might an extended silent retreat increase your ability to hear the Lord speak to you?
Prayer:
O Lord, as I hear you speak my heart burns with love for you. Please give me ears to hear and listen to you for your voice is the sweetest voice to me. I long for the child like trust that Samuel had as he heard you for the first time. I long to be brought to the place of Elijah as he heard you in the “whisper of whispers.” Amen