Currently, I am struggling with the amount of noise in my life.  Many of you may hear that same noise.  The noise that keeps you from being fully present for God, yourself, and your loves ones.  The noise that engulfs you in a spiral of never-ending busy-ness.  The noise that pushes you towards food, shopping, the television, the computer, alcohol, or whatever it is that you gravitate towards in a desperate attempt to drown out the noise, not realizing that in doing so you are only creating even more noise.  The noise that keeps you from knowing God’s peace.

In an effort to reduce the volume and reconnect with the quiet place within us, I have written the following devotion.  It combines prayer and meditation to help us be still and listen for God.  You can use the meditations for the 2nd and 4th Cruciform Beads throughout the day, even if you don’t have your beads with you, to help quite the noise when it starts to grow louder.  I hope that this devotion is helpful and brings you peace.

Cross: In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen.

Invitatory Bead: “Be still, and know that I am God.”  (Psalm 46:10 NIV)

1st Cruciform Bead: Lord, there is so much noise in my life right now.

1st set of Week Beads: use each bead to name the things that are creating noise and distraction in your life.

2nd Cruciform Bead: Lord, help me to be still.

2nd set of Week Beads: use each bead to inhale and exhale deeply while meditating on the verse, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

3rd Cruciform Bead: Lord, help me.

3rd set of Week Beads: use each bead to ask God for help with the things that are weighing on your heart and causing noise in your life.

4th Cruciform Bead: Lord, grant me peace.

4th set of Week Beads: use each bead to inhale and exhale deeply, each time asking God to grant you peace.

Invitatory Bead: recite The Lord’s Prayer

Cross: In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.