“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
This famous Scripture verse describes the essence of contemplative prayer better than any other verse in the Bible. When we say this verse with a prayerful heart, we instantly enter into a deeper awareness of the Divine Presence. I regularly use Psalm 46:10 at the beginning of my contemplative prayer sessions.
When we hear the words “be still” we usually think it means to “be quiet” or to “cease from movement.” However, it is interesting that the Hebrew word used here, rapha, has another nuance. Rapha means to “let go,” to “surrender”, to “cease from struggle.” The Hebrew imagery implies to stop struggling by letting go of a rope we are tugging on.
I find the Hebrew meaning of this great contemplative verse from Psalm 46 to be very helpful. In addition to becoming quiet and still in prayer, we are invited to “let go” and know that God is God. We are encouraged to let go of our own agendas and struggles, allowing God to work his agenda in us. We can rest in peacefulness knowing that God is our refuge and strength.
~ PR