Prayers of the People - Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

January: Silence and Solitude
January 1–8
“Be still, and know that I am God!”
—Psalm 46:10
“Of this gospel I have become a
servant according to the gift of
God’s grace that was given me by
the working of his power.”
—Ephesians 3:7
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Waking early to a snow-covered landscape is a winter treat! Predicted or not, the dawning of a “snow day”
reveals a world of silent stillness and pristine beauty, and a beautiful gift of silence and solitude.
While silence and solitude are frequently mentioned as important spiritual disciplines, they are often
the most challenging to practice. Activity and noise fill our lives. Family and work responsibilities allow little
time for solitude. Imagine getting away for a solitary retreat, even for 24 hours, and “fasting” from television
and radio, the Internet, magazines and newspapers, and the electronic gadgets that entertain us. Even then it is
often a challenge to quiet our minds and still our noisy hearts. It takes effort, planning and discipline to place
ourselves alone and silent in God’s presence long enough to hear and respond to God’s voice.
The Gospels indicate numerous times when Jesus needed and wanted to take a break from his active life
of service. He often chose solitude—to pray, to rest, to prepare for ministry, and to face his death. His example
encourages us to make space and time for silence and solitude in the daily, monthly, and annual rhythms of our
lives.
This month set aside a day for solitude and silence. If you can’t get away, make a retreat at home. “Fast”
from your favorite media. Rest. Read Scripture and devotional resources. Take a walk and enjoy the winter
landscape. Pray.
Ali was leaving a concert when a young American Christian approached him with a greeting in Persian, a smile,
and some literature. The two formed a relationship, and Ali began coming to the local Afghan and Iranian Christian
Fellowship where CBF field personnel minister among Persian speakers. He enjoyed the warm fellowship, became a
diligent student of the Bible, was baptized into the life of the church, and now serves on the worship team. “I’m very
thankful for everything that is happening,” Ali says. “I’ve made many friends and now I can freely talk about my
belief and even invite friends to church. When I first read John 1, I realized that Jesus Christ is Lord and comes into
our lives with the good news.” Pray that God will continue to work in Ali’s life as well as the Afghan and Iranian
Christian Fellowship. Visit www.persianwo.org to learn more.
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