In these reflections on Psalm 62 Margaret Guenther provides the foundation for a time of reflection and retreat without ever leaving home. The book's first chapter introduces us to ways of making a retreat wherever we are, at a place apart or in the midst of our daily lives. Guenther then offers eight meditations on Psalm 62, with its themes of waiting on God's presence with patience, trust, and expectation. She explores the images the psalm evokes of longing, silence, waiting, safety, enemies, and God as a rock and refuge. As in all her books, Guenther finds new ways to explore these ancient themes with the wit and practicality of an accomplished storyteller.
These eight meditations can be read consecutively over the course of a single day or weekend, or spaced over time with periods of reflection in between. Each meditation ends with ideas for further prayer and pondering.
My Soul in Silence Waits is one of our series of Cowley Cloister smaller format, gift edition books designed for meditative and devotional reading.
I love devotional books that start with a verse or even story in the Bible and then expounds on what that means for my daily life. I admit that I’m pretty picky because so many of these types of books do not inspire or cause me to grow, but this one did both. Here’s something I marked from one of the eight chapters,
In the realm of enemy voices, fearfulness is a close relative of self-doubt and self-contempt. We persuade ourselves that it is better to stick with the tried and true. As the old Scottish saying puts it, “Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.” Change for the sake of change and risk for the sake of risk can be foolish and imprudent. But unwillingness to stretch and risk and grow is also a kind of death wish.
Refreshing reminder to withdraw into silence, even amid our busy lives. The book focuses on various parts of Psalm 62 and carries the reader through Guenther's interpretations as well as promptings to consider the Psalm's application in our daily lives.