Poems (Coolidge)/The Sacrament of Silence

by Helen Elizabeth Coolidge

THE SACRAMENT OF SILENCE

Its rest and glad refreshment each weary soul should know,
Whereby is gained new courage when one would forward go;
By waters still—He leadeth, in pastures green we lie,
And hearken in the stillness as Jesus passes by.

Apart from worldly tumult, from trivial care and fret,
Apart from sore temptation, which erstwhile have beset,
The balm of perfect silence our restlessness shall heal,
And peace in benediction shall o'er the spirit steal.

Perchance our prayer is voiceless, we may not even pray,
But simply wait for guidance, and lean upon our Stay;
The "still small voice" then whispers to hearts in right attune,
And, with the gentle Saviour, they are in sweet commune.

And when the door must open to let the world come in,
And lifted be the burden of all its strife and din,
The sacrament of silence has richest blessing brought,
In newborn strength and patience will every deed be wrought.