In a fast-paced world filled with noise, three Christian Reformed congregations in Bellingham, Wash., spent the first Sunday in September being quiet and listening.
Thirty-five adults and children from Mosaic Church, Fountain Parish, and The Table gathered at Whatcom Falls Park to intentionally listen to the voice of God.
It is the seventh year the churches have held the event. “We find a few hours to stop our striving and our working—to just enjoy him,” said Matt Atkins, pastor of Mosaic. “We then let his words shape our lives by acting on them.”
The group sang a few praise songs and then spent 45 minutes simply being listening to the Lord. “Some people like to draw, others write in their journal, some walk, and some just sit quietly. We all ‘hear’ in our own way, so we encourage people to do what is most consistent with how they were created to listen,” Atkins said.
At the conclusion of the time of silence, participants were asked to share what they were hearing, first with one person and then with others.
Organizers said this event not only helps participants set aside time to be quiet before God and listen but also to grow together in community. “Just as any healthy relationship involves listening to each other rather than just talking all the time, so too collectively listening to God strengthens our relationship with God and also with each other,” Atkins said. “This is especially true when a number of people believe they have heard similar things from God.”
About the Author
Amy Toornstra is a freelance news correspondent for The Banner. She lives in Salem, Oregon.