“God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Selah”
Psalm 46:1-3
Scattered throughout the Pslams, we find the word “Selah,” which means pause. I used to think it rather odd that there were places where we’re told to pause, but no more. Especially today, when so many are spun up, wound up, and burnt out.
Prayer isn’t a one-way street. God is there, listening, waiting, perhaps for us to slow down and listen. I’ve found it beneficial to incorporate pauses and extended moments of silence into prayer. To pause often during prayer is to slow down, to rest, to align ourselves with His rhythm. Jesus was never in a hurry, regardless of the urgency of the demands of others. I don’t know that hurry-up prayers land well. We surely aren’t able to tune into God with a spirit of rest and listening when we’re frazzled and more focused on our task list than Him. Pausing gives God room to speak, minister to, touch, and encourage our weary hearts.
Here’s a little of what a Selah prayer looks like. I’ve inserted a word or ellipsis between sentences to signal a pause. Sometimes I wait briefly, sometimes I rest in silence longer. Silence is healing to the soul.
(Turn your phone off first).
Lord, I love you.
Pause
Thank you for the gift of life today.
Rest
Thank you for my marriage, my family, providing our needs. Thank you for forgiving my sins so many times, for healing me.
…
Thank you for leading me, for guiding me, for the gift of Your word, of prayer.
Rest
Lord, I release every burden to you now, including… (I will list issues that are weighing me down.)
Listen
There have been moments when I’ve gotten attacked during prayer, and then I’ll have to stop and say something like “In the name and authority of Jesus Christ, I command any evil spirits coming against me to go where Jesus sends you to go.” He knows prayer is a powerful weapon which is why he works to keep God’s people too choked or distracted to pray.
Wait
I love you Lord, please fill me with Your Holy Spirit, Your love, Your peace, Your joy, Your life, Your overcoming strength.
…
Please order my way in all ways today, including my prayers.
Selah
Slow down. Rest. Wait on God.
Make prayer your priority.
