The Quenching

"Do not quench the Spirit." 1 Thessalonians 5:19 (NIV)

🌿

I thought only sin could grieve You.

I did not realize that neglect, busyness, and my own hurry could quench You just as surely, the way water is not the only thing that puts out a flame.

🌱

I have quenched You with schedules too full for silence.

I have quenched You with a prayer life reduced to requests, never lingering long enough to hear a response.

I have quenched You by choosing noise because quiet felt like nothing was happening, when quiet was actually where You were.

I called it productivity.

It was You, being crowded out by everything I called important.

🌾

Forgive me for the flame I have dimmed with my own hurry.

You do not compete for space.

But You do wait to be given it.

Unquenchable flame, do not let my hurry put out what only stillness can keep burning.

🌿

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

Thank You, Holy Spirit, for waiting even when I crowd You out.

Thank You for a flame patient enough to survive my neglect.

Teach me to make room instead of noise. Amen.

🌿