As I was preparing for my sabbatical time, I often got the question ‘what are your goals of your sabbatical?’

In my daily work, every day is filled with “to do” lists, goals and outcomes. My sabbatical time did not have any goals or expected outcomes.  I wanted to rest my soul and to listen for the whispers of the spirit.  I learned in the first days that I could not force the whispers. I had to be still and to dwell in silence.

Pray today for the opportunity to be silent, even for a few moments and listen for the whispers.

God within and beyond us all,
teach us the silence of humility,

The silence of wisdom,
the silence of love,
the silence of faith,
the silence that enables reflection
and speaks without words.

Teach us, God, to silence our own hearts and minds
that we may listen
for the movement of your Spirit within us,
and treasure your presence
in the depths of our being.

Taken from Service of Quiet, Iona Abbey Worship Book, Iona Community.