Night Prayers

An online resource from the PrayerBench.ca, adapted and used with permission

Blessings All,
Today I share a short monologue from Zecheriah. 
It is a reminder that sometimes we need to stop short in what we are so busy doing at this time of year, and just be still with God.
I invite you to settle into a place of silence.
Take a few deep breaths, then read aloud this 'story.'.
Perhaps repeat it twice.
Afterwards, take a moment to stop and ask yourself, what do you need to stop doing in order to listen?
How can you Be Still .....

  First Night Prayer of Zechariah
“Once when Zechariah was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense.” – Luke 1: 8,9 

“Now, where was I?  ..... This is what I have left to do.” 
  (Zechariah lists off the regular chores of the day. You can too.) 
“And there are the special duties that must be done in times of festival.” 
   (As Zechariah recalls these, he notices on his smartwatch that his heart rate        increases.)  
“A little peace and quiet, God, wouldn’t hurt but who gets that in times like this?” 
“Now what?” 
(Zechariah notices the smoke of the incense rising. It’s mesmerizing and Zechariah is obliged to watch. It is strangely compelling.) 
“Oh no!” 
(Zechariah sees it is time to offer the customary blessing.) 
“I opened my mouth and no words poured forth.” 

Be still and know that I am God. 
Be still and know. 
Be still  
​
Peace, 
Rev. Gail