We find ourselves in the season of Epiphany, a time of discovery and insight. Throughout this liturgical season we are invited to allow the light of Christ to illumine our hearts and minds as we grow in faith and come to know Jesus more personally. These devotionals looks at six different “epiphanies” from my personal journey of faith. Through scripture, quotes, and our life of worship, we will explore each "epiphany" from a number of different angles.
In our world of commercials, billboards, push notifications, and endless talking heads, connecting with God can often happen through simply being quiet. ⠀
When I began including extended periods of silence into my prayer life I was amazed by the ways that I quickly felt more settled and connected to God. ⠀
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How does Silence connect us with God?
"Somewhere in those depths of silence I came upon my first experiences of God as a loving presence that was always near, and prayer as a simple trust in that presence." - Cynthia Bourgeault
Cynthia Bourgeault has written several books on the practice of Centering Prayer, a type of prayer where individuals are encouraged to simply sit in silence and trust in God's presence. ⠀
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The above quote encourages us to see prayer not just as the words we say, but rather as a position of our heart; a type of resting in the reality of God.
Similarly, in the book of 1 Kings, The prophet Elijah once waited in a cave for God to speak. From his spot in the cave, he saw fires and earthquakes and mighty winds and yet, God chose to speak to Elijah through "the sound of sheer silence." ⠀
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This is a powerful reminder that the grand, powerful, overwhelming moments of life will not always be the places where God speaks to us. Rather, sometimes the voice of God will find us in simple moments of silence.
Where do we see Silence in Worship?
At the beginning of our worship the worship leader will sometimes invite people to take a moment of silence to collect ourselves; to prepare our hearts and minds for worship; to encounter God.⠀Throughout worship there are additional moments of pause and quite for further reflection on this gift.
In our world of commercials, billboards, push notifications, and endless talking heads, connecting with God can often happen through simply being quiet. ⠀
When I began including extended periods of silence into my prayer life I was amazed by the ways that I quickly felt more settled and connected to God. ⠀
⠀
How does Silence connect us with God?
"Somewhere in those depths of silence I came upon my first experiences of God as a loving presence that was always near, and prayer as a simple trust in that presence." - Cynthia Bourgeault
Cynthia Bourgeault has written several books on the practice of Centering Prayer, a type of prayer where individuals are encouraged to simply sit in silence and trust in God's presence. ⠀
⠀
The above quote encourages us to see prayer not just as the words we say, but rather as a position of our heart; a type of resting in the reality of God.
Similarly, in the book of 1 Kings, The prophet Elijah once waited in a cave for God to speak. From his spot in the cave, he saw fires and earthquakes and mighty winds and yet, God chose to speak to Elijah through "the sound of sheer silence." ⠀
⠀
This is a powerful reminder that the grand, powerful, overwhelming moments of life will not always be the places where God speaks to us. Rather, sometimes the voice of God will find us in simple moments of silence.
Where do we see Silence in Worship?
At the beginning of our worship the worship leader will sometimes invite people to take a moment of silence to collect ourselves; to prepare our hearts and minds for worship; to encounter God.⠀Throughout worship there are additional moments of pause and quite for further reflection on this gift.
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2026
January
365: Spiritual Practices You Can Do - St. Ignatius ExamenHymn Reflection - God of Love, O King of PeaceThe Book of Deuteronomy - Establishing CommunityThe Epiphany of Our LordRated PG: Thoughts on Isaiah 58The Unexpected Ways of God: Mistakes Epiphany Rising Stars - Guidance365: Spiritual Practices You Can Do - Lectio DivinaEpiphany Rising Stars - InspirationThe Book of Joshua - God Keeps the PromiseThe Baptism of Our LordRated PG: Thoughts on Jeremiah 29:7The Unexpected Ways of God: Prayer365: Spiritual Practices You Can Do - Centering PrayerThe Book of Judges - Abundant MercyRated PG: Thoughts on Matthew 5New BeginningsEpiphany Rising Stars - Seasons365: Spiritual Practices You Can Do - Prayer JournalingEpiphany Rising Stars - ChangesEpiphany Rising Stars - Knowledge of LoveEpiphany Rising Stars - AweThe Book of Ruth - Challenging our AssumptionsStewardship SermonUnconditional LoveThe Unexpected Ways of God: FeastEpiphany Rising Stars - God Hold's the Future365: Spiritual Practices You Can Do - The Jesus PrayerEpiphany Rising Stars - Beautiful SaviorThe Book of Ecclesiastes – Finding Meaning in God
February
Fourth Sunday after EpiphanyEpiphanies For Epiphany - GraceThe Unexpected Ways of God: SuprisesEpiphanies For Epiphany - Sanctification365: Spiritual Practices You Can Do - GratitudeEpiphanies For Epiphany - Law & GospelThe Book of Philippians - Hope in Times of TroubleThe Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Epiphanies For Epiphany - CreationThe Unexpected Ways of God: Sports MoviesEpiphanies For Epiphany - Trinity365: Spiritual Practices You Can Do - Seasons, Rituals, and TraditionsEpiphanies For Epiphany - FaithThe Book of Song of Solomon – Love as a Reflection of God’s FaithfulnessThe Sixth Sunday after EpiphanyEpiphanies For Epiphany - SilenceThe Unexpected Ways of God: Niagara FallsThe Season of Lent365: Spiritual Practices You Can Do - Daily Life CuesUnlearning for Lent - I am what I accomplishThe Book of Isaiah - Hope in the Midst of JudgementThe First Sunday in LentHymn Devo - Lord of All HopefulnessYou Are Special
2025
January
February
Zombie ChurchFundamentalsFeasts & BanquetsAcademics & FaithShattering Our ExpectationsJesus didn't really mean that, right? Sacred Discomfort: How God Speaks in Uncomfortable MomentsThe Spirit IntercedesHappy Birthday JesusChristmas in JulyJoy in ListeningHope in the Midst of DoubtThe Gift of PresenceI'm too...Daily Bread and MindfulnessA Thousand Years is like a DaySacred Interruptions: How God Speaks Through Life's Detours
March
The Life was The Light of All PeopleWaiting PatientlyUnseenCreator God, I pray for the earth...God, I want to be better at...Holy Spirit, Help me UnderstandGod, Grant Me Patience WithThe Gospel of John - Guidance for LifeJesus Christ, Forgive Me ForThe Book of 1st Samuel - Trust During the BattlesGod of the Oppressed, protect those who are vulnerableEnduring Lord, I hope forPrince of Peace, Calm my Mind When...God, I wonder aboutThe Book of Hebrews - The Grand Story of SalvationBlessed Jesus, help me to let go ofHoly Jesus, we pray for your church
April
Preserving Lord, save me fromAwesome God, I am amazed byThe Joy of LentThe Book of 2nd Samuel - God's Redemptive PowerCompassionate God, I Weep ForThe Book of Acts - Being the ChurchPalm Sunday Spoken WordGenerous God, open my eyes to see...God, I needCursing the Fig Tree Spoken WordMaundy Thursday Spoken Word
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