1 Kings 19:11-12
“He said, "Go out and stand on the mountain before Yahweh." Behold, Yahweh passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before Yahweh; but Yahweh was not in the wind. After the wind was an earthquake, but Yahweh was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake was a fire, but Yahweh was not in the fire. After the fire was a still small voice.”
This passage is part of the story of the prophet Elijah, who has just experienced a major victory over the prophets of Baal but is now fleeing for his life from Queen Jezebel. Exhausted and despairing, he has traveled to Mount Horeb (also known as Sinai), seeking guidance and reassurance from God.
What practices might help us cultivate the inner quiet needed to perceive subtle guidance amidst the noise of our lives?