A Prayer to be Still - Your Daily Prayer - August 9

A Prayer to Be Still
By Cally Logan

Bible Reading
“Be still and know that I am God!” - Psalm 46:10 NLT

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When you want to see action, the last logical thing to do would be to relax, to be still, to pause, but what if that is the most powerful action you can take? In the call of Psalm 46:10 to “be still and know that I am God,” the phrase to be still is rāp̄â, which is a Hebrew word meaning to cease, or to relax. The next command after rāp̄â is to know, yāḏa, which means to know, to have revelation, instruction, or understanding. This yāḏa is met with a posture of an open heart, open ears, and an eager readiness to let God be God. He is able to do far more than we can even ask or imagine, and often when He wants to do a work with us or in our lives, that work must begin within us to be prepared and made ready. This focus and alertness to what He will say sets the stage for what He desires to do next.

Elijah was a prophet of the Lord; he had witnessed for himself remarkable miracles and mind-bending examples of God’s power, but Elijah was still human, susceptible to anxiety. When the news came that Queen Jezebel would have his head, he fled in absolute fear, but he also cried out to God for comfort and command. In 1 Kings 19, we are told that Elijah waited in stillness, “The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” (1 Kings 19:11). Hurricane force winds emerged, an earthquake ensued, and a fire blazed, yet God’s voice was yet to be heard. Despite the prolonged silence, Elijah waited upon the Lord ever still. At last, in 1 Kings 19:12, the word of the Lord, “came a gentle whisper.” Through that soft instruction came the play-by-play of what Elijah was to do next. Instead of relying on his own understanding or reacting to what-ifs, he sought the Lord even when he was shaken to his fleshly core.

In the same way, you may be met by a problem today, a complication, or circumstances that appear insurmountably difficult, but do not lose heart. Be still before the Lord and wait. It may not come instantly, and it may come in such a way that you do not expect, but hold firm and wait upon the Lord. He may move you to act in a certain manner, to step aside so that He can do a specific work, or He may offer you wisdom for the path ahead, but know that He can be trusted. Rest, relax, and cease striving as you allow God to take the lead, for He knows the way forward.

Let’s Pray

Father God,

We pray today for the person who struggles to be still in Your presence. Whether they are stirred by anxiety, are restless because they want to see some action taken, or the idea of slowing down feels foreign to them, please meet them today where they need Your touch of peace. Still them, comfort them, and make them ready to hear what You have to say next. May they find that Your presence is indeed the greatest relief, the greatest retreat, and the greatest refuge there is, and may they return to the safe haven that is You whenever possible. May Your presence not be a place they run because life is hard, but sincerely because they desire to know You, to spend time with You, and to build a life closer to their Lord. As they are in the quiet of Your Spirit, may they be met in perfect timing with all that is needed for this day and the days to come. May trust be fortified and hope renewed as they allow You to guide them, keep them, and teach them.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Discuss today’s devotional with others in the Your Daily Prayer thread on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: Unsplash/janphoenix

Cally Logan is the author of three books, including The Wallflower that Bloomed, winner of the 2025 Reader’s Choice Christian Literary Award and the Henri Award, and an Expert Writer for Crosswalk.com and The Rooted Truth. Her heart finds beauty in the mysteries of life and in the glory all around us in the details, big and small. Storytelling is her passion, and she believes each and every one of us holds a unique, valuable, and hand-written story by God, and together, we are part of the Grand Story He has written. She received her B.A. Degree from Regent University and has taught US History and Western Civilization for nearly a decade. Her works have been featured on outlets such as Jesus Calling, The 700 Club Interactive, Propel Women, and many more. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time in nature, watching movies, and woodworking. Check out her website, callylogan.com, or find her on Instagram @CallyLogan.

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