Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

When Americans hear or see the word ‘stop’ we know what to do. If we are in our cars, we cease driving for a moment; if we are walking and about to cross the street, we hesitate. We have learned to pay attention and to make a response when we come across this word.

The word ‘Sabbath,’ unlike ‘stop,’ does not generate an automatic response. While many of us understand this word to mean a time of rest and worship, fewer make this a regular practice. We continue at a feverish pace, finding it hard to ‘turn off’ the technology that keeps us connected to others 24/7.

It takes time and practice to celebrate the Sabbath. It also takes time and practice to learn to recognize the voice of God guiding us, challenging us, encouraging us, and loving us.   

Often, the greatest problem I face in hearing God’s voice is taking the time to listen carefully for it. With days filled with ‘to do’s’, I am less likely to perceive the voice of God. I find silence and solitude vital to my spiritual practice, giving me space in which I can ‘hear that voice.

To encourage a daily practice of listening for God, the Brothers of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist offer a daily reflection, based on a single word of faith. Each morning, subscribers to “Brother Give Me A Word” receive an email inviting reflection on a word chosen by one of the Brothers.

Recently, Brother James Koester chose to reflect on the word ‘choice.’ He wrote, “How we choose to live our lives is no happenstance thing. It’s not about the ways the planets line up, or about the hand we’re dealt, or the luck of the draw. How we choose to live our life is rooted in the good treasure that has been entrusted to us, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us [2 Timothy 1:14] and how we know that treasure to be true.”

Being intentional in how we choose to live our lives take practice, as does being open to the voice of God. As young children, we learned and practiced the meaning of ‘stop.’ As people of faith, we are invited to practice the Sabbath, to learn how to listen for, and to, God’s voice.

To receive a daily “Brother, Give Us a Word” reflection subscribe at www.SSJE.org/word or visit Friends of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist on Facebook.