Have you ever meditated on Scripture in the nature setting it describes? God reveals himself and his purposes for us in his Holy Bible and through his creation. The Psalms especially show us this. Praying a Psalm in its Nature Setting is a favorite spiritual practice of mine.
For instance, many times in the early morning I have met with Jesus by meditating on “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) while at Woodbridge North Lake near my home in Irvine, CA. Through contemplative prayer the Scripture and the lake combine in a special way to communicate the same message of God’s peace to my soul.
A Simple Prayer of the Heart
I enjoyed being in God’s presence while at the lake. It helped me to use Psalm 46:10 as a Simple Prayer of the Heart:
“Be still and know that I am God…
Be still and know that I am…
Be still and know…
Be still…
Be…”
Assisted by the Word of God, the image of the still lake became embedded in my consciousness. It drew me deeper into the quiet. It opened my heart to listen to God. It centered me in the presence of Christ. It reflects heaven to me in surprising ways.
And it inspired one of my favorite poetic Psalm Prayers: “Be Still.”
Be Still
Be still as the lake at Dawn
In a world that wakes to alarms and agendas:
Quietly rest so you can listen;
Breathe and open to your soul;
Wait patiently to receive what is to come,
Softly absorb the light as a looking glass.
Be still to know the I AM;
Let the “rush hour” pass by your silence:
The Voice whispers to create Life;
It swims and plays deep within you;
As holy feet step upon your waters
Heaven’s Face smiles upon you
– and out from you.
More Soul Shepherding
“Be still and know Christ” is an abiding prayer based on Psalm 46:10 that is a little, power-packed spiritual vitamin!
Another way to pray God’s Word, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10), is with relaxed, deep breathing. To learn how to do this read my article, “Breath Prayer.”
