Quieting the Mind and Heart
Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the necessity of quieting the mind and heart to experience true communion with God.
Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of quietly waiting for the salvation of the Lord, urging believers to retreat to a silent place of prayer to restore, claim, and hallow all in God's creation. She encourages separating oneself from distractions, including friends, duties, cares, and joys, to be still and quiet before God, allowing for a deep connection with Him. Tileston highlights the need to subdue the activities of the mind and heart to experience the peace and rest that come from quietly waiting on the All-Glorious One.
Text
It is good that a man quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.
LAMENTATIONS 3:26
IN to Thy silent place of prayer The anxious, wandering mind recall
Dwell 'mid Thy own creation there,
Restoring, claiming, hallowing all.
Then the calm spirit, won from sin,
Thy perfect sacrifice shall be,
And all the ransomed powers therein
Shall go forth, glorifying Thee.
ANNA L. WARING
TAKE time to be separate from all friends and all duties, all cares and all joys; time to be still and quiet before God. Take time not only to secure stillness from man and the world, but from self and its energy. Let the Word and prayer be very precious; but remember, even these may hinder the quiet waiting. The activity of the mind in studying the Word, or giving expression to its thoughts in prayer, the activities of the heart, with its desires and hopes and fears, may so engage us that we do not come to the still waiting on the All-Glorious One. Though at first it may appear difficult to know how thus quietly to wait, with the activities of mind and heart for a time subdued, every effort after it will be rewarded; we shall find that it grows upon us, and the little season of silent worship will bring a peace and a rest that give a blessing not only in prayer, but all the day.
ANDREW MURRAY
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The importance of quietness in prayer - Separating from distractions - The role of stillness in spiritual growth
- II points: - The challenge of quieting the mind - Overcoming self and worldly distractions - The reward of silent worship
- III points: - The impact of quietness on daily life - Finding peace through waiting on God - Glorifying God through restored spirit
Key Quotes
“It is good that a man quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“Take time to be separate from all friends and all duties, all cares and all joys; time to be still and quiet before God.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“The little season of silent worship will bring a peace and a rest that give a blessing not only in prayer, but all the day.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- Set aside dedicated time for quiet prayer each day to connect with God.
- Practice mindfulness to help reduce distractions during your spiritual practices.
- Embrace the stillness as a means to cultivate a deeper relationship with God.