INTRODUCTION
Where is the presence of the Sacred revealed? Is it in dramatic upheavals and thresholds of our human experience? Or is it in ordinary - in the mundane? While some might testify that it is in the former, this particular story from the Hebrew scriptures leans towards the latter. Some spiritual traditions and practices have a preference for quiet moments - in "the still small voice" of God. In our day to day lives, what might these moments of stillness be? - sacred moments that are plain and seemingly insignificant.
Where is the presence of the Sacred revealed? Is it in dramatic upheavals and thresholds of our human experience? Or is it in ordinary - in the mundane? While some might testify that it is in the former, this particular story from the Hebrew scriptures leans towards the latter. Some spiritual traditions and practices have a preference for quiet moments - in "the still small voice" of God. In our day to day lives, what might these moments of stillness be? - sacred moments that are plain and seemingly insignificant.
Still Small Voice
(adapted by Chaplain Donnel from book: Listening for God by Katie Warner, a story from 1 Kings 19: 1-12)
A long time ago, there was someone who embodied deep wisdom, and loved God with all their heart. This holy person gave messages of love, repentance, and mercy.
One night, weary and despairing from the hard work of sharing the message of God’s love & mercy to other people, this person of deep wisdom laid down to rest under the shade of a tree, and waited to hear the voice of God to receive hope and strength to live out their sacred calling or vocation.
Then this person came to the realization that they needed to continue on the journey.
This person made their way to a mountain, where God was supposed to be. And stood. And then suddenly a strong wind came upon the mountain breaking the rocks into pieces all around.
But God was not in the wind.
(adapted by Chaplain Donnel from book: Listening for God by Katie Warner, a story from 1 Kings 19: 1-12)
A long time ago, there was someone who embodied deep wisdom, and loved God with all their heart. This holy person gave messages of love, repentance, and mercy.
One night, weary and despairing from the hard work of sharing the message of God’s love & mercy to other people, this person of deep wisdom laid down to rest under the shade of a tree, and waited to hear the voice of God to receive hope and strength to live out their sacred calling or vocation.
Then this person came to the realization that they needed to continue on the journey.
This person made their way to a mountain, where God was supposed to be. And stood. And then suddenly a strong wind came upon the mountain breaking the rocks into pieces all around.
But God was not in the wind.
Next, an earthquake shook the mountain, and this person stood in its tremble.
But God was not in the earthquake.
But God was not in the earthquake.
Then came fire, roaring and encircling as the person with deep wisdom waited.
But God was not in the fire.
But God was not in the fire.
After the fire, all was quiet.
And then, in the silence, the person of deep wisdom heard a still small voice.
It was God.
And then, in the silence, the person of deep wisdom heard a still small voice.
It was God.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Which part of the story did you find the most important? Which part of the story resonated with you?
- What experiences have you had that is close to this story?
- Where do you find yourself in this story? Which part of the story is about you?
- Where and when have you noticed God's presence in your life?
Guide for Facilitators of Spiritual Care Support Groups
Practice Spirit Play storytelling:
- STORY MATERIALS
- VIDEO
- SCRIPT
