When he was nearing 80 years old, Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa was asked in an interview, “Have you found that your relationship to God has changed as you’ve grown older?” This deeply spiritual man, who has since passed away, thought for a moment and said: “Yes. I am learning to shut up more in the presence of God.”
He explained that previously he treated prayer like “a kind of shopping list that you bring to God.” But now he saw prayer differently: “[It’s] like when you sit in front of a fire in winter. You are just there, in front of the fire, and you don’t have to be smart or anything. The fire warms you.”[1]
Throughout time, many of the noted and great have discovered the value of spending time with God and feeling the warmth of His presence. Moses met God alone at the burning bush and on Mt. Sinai, and these places became holy ground.[2] The prophet Elijah found God—not in an earthquake or a mighty wind, but in a still, small voice.[3] The Psalmist David communed with God and wrote that “in [His] presence is fulness of joy.”[4] And we know that Jesus often withdrew alone to pray.[5]
Such sacred experiences, however, are not just for prophets and archbishops. Jesus invited us all, “Enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”[6]
As we all know, life sometimes feels as cold as winter. During difficult days, we need the warmth and reassurance that God offers His children. He knows us perfectly, loves us purely, and wants happiness and joy for us today and forever. And He is always only a prayer away. Sometimes we might approach Him with something specific to ask or request, but that isn’t required. While God welcomes our questions and petitions, He also just wants to be with us. So don’t worry if you don’t feel eloquent or aren’t sure what to say. Just come to Him, let the fire warm you.
[1] In “Desmond Tutu, Insisting We Are ‘Made for Goodness’” (interview with Renee Montagne, Mar. 11, 2010), npr.org.
[2] See Exodus 3:1–5; 19:17–20.
[3] See 1 Kings 19:11–12.
[4] Psalm 16:11.
[5] See Luke 6:12.
[6] Matthew 6:6.
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March 27, 2022
Broadcast Number 4,828
The Tabernacle Choir
Orchestra at Temple Square
Conductor
Mack Wilberg
Ryan Murphy
Organist
Richard Elliott
Host
Lloyd Newell
When In Our Music God Is Glorified
English Melody; arr. Emily Crocker
There is Sunshine In My Soul Today
John R. Sweney; arr. Mack Wilberg
How Great Thou Art (Great Is Our God)
Swedish Folk Melody; arr. Dale Wood
Their Sound Is Gone Out Into All Lands, From “Messiah”
George Frideric Handel
My Song In The Night
American Folk Song; arr. Mack Wilberg
In The Garden
C. Austin Miles; arr. Ryan Murphy
Rejoice, The Lord Is King!
Horatio Parker; arr. Ryan Murphy