In his reflection on modern faith, David Watson speaks to a deep struggle we face in our hectic paced lifestyle today, and that is the often unintentional drift from a life rooted in prayer and stillness before God to one driven by busyness, materialism, and distraction.
How often do we pause to question – Have we forgotten what it means to simply BE before God?
There is a definite need in our society to be called back into stillness.
Psalm 46:10, such a well-loved psalm invites us – “Be still, and know that I am God.”
This not only means to pause physically— rather, it invites us to surrender, to let go of control, and place our confidence in God. In our hurried culture, though, these moments of stillness are rare. Instead, we often find ourselves pulled toward action and a constant need for stimulation and productivity.
Richard Foster, in his book, “Celebration of Discipline*, warns us about this constant need for busyness. He teaches that the “discipline of meditation” is not about emptying ourselves but being filled with God’s presence. This ancient discipline helps us to refocus and reset, tuning our hearts to hear God’s voice amid the noise of the world.
A word that has been living in my head, my heart and my soul for the past couple of weeks is the word intentional.
To be “intentional” in our faith means actively choosing practices that create space for God. It requires a conscious commitment to prioritise moments of stillness where we can listen, reflect, and discern.
As believers, this might mean setting aside time each day to pray and read scripture —not out of obligation, but from a deep desire to know God. The best thing we can give to God is our time. It could mean establishing simple daily or weekly routines where we step away from technology and activities to engage in solitude and silence, where God’s whispers become clearer.
Intentionality is also about saying “no” to what draws us away from God’s presence. Foster writes that simplicity and solitude go against our society’s materialism and drive for accomplishment, helping us reclaim a sense of peace and purpose.
A choice to be still and silent may feel counter productive in our world, but it is a powerful act of faith and obedience.
Watson also points out that our loss of stillness has robbed us of joy. The Bible encourages celebration as an expression of faith, even in difficult circumstances (Nehemiah 8:10). When we practice intentional stillness, it allows us to see God’s goodness and faithfulness more clearly, filling us with joy.
This joy is a testimony to God’s enduring presence, empowering us to celebrate His work in our lives.
For the body of Christ – the Church, Watson’s message is a call to examine whether our gatherings, programs, and outreach reflect a genuine encounter with God—or if they’ve become more focused on outcomes, appearances, and activities. Are we equipping our community to find strength and direction through prayer, silence, and meditation? Or do we rush through these practices in favour of action and output?
As we reflect on this, let us consider how we, as a church, might encourage one another to embrace this often forgotten stillness, creating space for genuine connection with God and with each other.
My invitation and encouragement to all of us this week is to reclaim stillness.
In an overactive world – the practice of prayer, silence and meditation is powerful. Jesus himself modelled this lifestyle – seeking solitude to pray and commune with His Father before returning to ministry.
Rob Penrith shared a beautiful prayer of intentionality –
Lord, shape us as people of deep intention,
who choose each day, each hour, each minute
to live in Your presence,
to walk in Your ways,
and to love with Your love.
Make us mindful of the little acts
that speak to Your Kingdom’s presence:
kindness where there is anger,
peace where there is division,
and patience where there is impatience.
May our hearts be firmly set
on the long journey with You,
unshaken by the winds that would pull us away.
Grant us grace to finish this day well,
and to rise again tomorrow with purpose.
Let us be a people who actively strive for stillness, who actively choose a life cantered on God’s presence and purposes. By living intentionally, we will discover a deeper joy and celebrate our God who is always with us, waiting for us to be still and know that He is God.
Much love
Michelle