Hi Lakeside, 

 When I was a kid I loved going to the movies. One thing that was a part of that experience was the pre-movie advertisement, which included the mantra, “Silence is golden."  As I think about the life of Jesus, it seems that the theaters had it right. There is something significant about silence. The Gospel of Luke tells us that Jesus often withdrew to the erēmos to pray (Luke 5:16). Silence was of great significance for the life of Jesus. I really love Luke chapter 6: One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles. Jesus’ time in silence with God was often the impetus for new ministry and decisive action. 

This week I want to invite you into practices of silence and solitude.  There is a digital book called How to Un-Hurry where you can find some practices. If you can't do these you might just try to find a place away from noise. The back porch, a room at work, your car and spend time with God in silence everyday. 

I’ll close with a prayer this week known as the Breastplate of St. Patrick: Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me. 

Grace and Peace,

David

VBS @ Lakeside UMC 2023 (google.com)

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