Holding Space for Quiet Worship - Your Nightly Prayer - December 13th

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Holding Space for Quiet Worship
Your Nightly Prayer
By Sophia Bricker 

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE 

"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." - Luke 2:19

SOMETHING TO PONDER 

In elementary school, many of my teachers set aside a period in which the students could sit in silence. The teacher would hold her finger to her lips and turn off the lights to give us kids time to be still and to calm down after the excitement of recess or a special class. In that time of quiet, I noticed many things I often overlooked: the way the wind blew gently through the cracked window, or how the sun glared against the whiteboard in the classroom. By making space for silence, the teacher gave us the opportunity to reorient ourselves before returning to the task of learning.  

Mary also did this after the shepherds visited the newborn Messiah. These men had crowded around to see the child that the angels had told them about in the fields. And the baby’s mother took notice. Instead of letting the moment pass or dismissing it as mere chance, Mary stored up this event and all that was said in her heart. In the quietness after the shepherds’ visit, she grasped onto the memory and allowed herself to be filled with wonder–look at what the Lord was doing! Later, Luke’s Gospel would again describe this act of treasuring done by Mary after finding the young Jesus at the temple in Jerusalem (Luke 2:51).  

We, too, can benefit by carving out space in our busy schedules this Christmas to ponder the wonder of Jesus’ coming, and the promise that He will return. To sit in a hushed stillness to meditate on the good news: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). Like Mary, we can worship in wonder at God’s grace.  

Our schedules may be full, and our attention spans stretched thin by modern technology, but even a few moments in silence allows us to be attentive and to take notice. We just have to be willing to quiet ourselves and make room for worship amid the chaos of our days. To do as my teachers did and set aside time for silence. Then, we can ponder the treasure of knowing the Lord Jesus.         

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 

Father,
Great God who sent the angels when Your Son was born to declare the good news to simple shepherds, help me to pause in the busyness of the season to meditate on the wonder of Your grace. You sent Jesus, born as a humble baby, to dwell among us and die for our sins. How amazing is the salvation found in His Name! May I carve out space to be still and to ponder these things as Mary did, worshiping You in the silence of this night. In Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen.    

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON 

1. A memory box or photo album. Many people keep sentimental items stored away for safety and bring them out to remember cherished memories. How might this image of examining old treasures help you understand how to ponder and treasure God’s word in your heart? 

2. The most calming part of the day. Do you savor mornings with a warm beverage, or prefer nighttime when work is done? When could you add in a period during this calm part of the day to be still and praise the Lord? 

3. A song that evokes a sense of wonder at Jesus’ coming, or His promise to return. This could be a normal worship song or a Christmas carol (like “Joy to the World”). In what way could this song serve as a starting place for worship?  

Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/laura adai

Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, as well as an MFA in creative writing. You can read her thoughts about literature and faith at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page Substack, or visit the discipleship-based site Cultivate, where she writes with her sister.  

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