Learning to Linger
Rediscovering the Art of Tarrying with Jesus
In a world that prizes speed and productivity, the invitation to "be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10) feels increasingly countercultural and counterintuitive. Yet in recent months, I've witnessed a quiet stirring - a quiet revival - happening. A growing thirst for deeper connection with Jesus through unhurried presence. People are noticing and responding to what Hildegaard of Bingen, the 12th-century mystic and theologian, described as the ‘beckoning green finger of God’ - a poetic image of God’s presence drawing us toward life, renewal, and divine encounter. The contemplative practice of tarrying may serve us well as we learn to linger with Jesus and encounter His presence in our ordinary, everyday lives.
I wonder if the invitation of God to us is a gentle but persistent encouragement to carve out space for silence, reflection, and simple, unhurried communion with Jesus.
The Forgotten Art of Tarrying
To ‘tarry’ means to linger intentionally, to wait with expectation. Jesus modeled this by often withdrawing to quiet places to pray (Mark 1:35). Before Pentecost, He instructed His disciples to "tarry in Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high" (Luke 24:49, KJV). Throughout scripture and Christian history, this practice has been foundational to spiritual transformation. If the Son of God and those early disciples needed moments of stillness, how much more do we in our hurried, and often harried, lives?
Yet in our hyper-distracted age, many of us struggle to sit in silence even for five minutes. At a recent retreat, a young woman noticed how noisy it was inside her head and heart and how challenging it was to find quiet there. The noise of our lives isn’t just external! Additionally, we've been so deeply formed by a culture of instant gratification and productivity that stillness feels almost wasteful.
Why Stillness Matters
Brian Heasley, in his book ‘Be Still, describes stillness as "not just the absence of noise, but an intentional slowing down to be with God." In this space, we become more aware of His presence, more attuned to His voice and more grounded in His love. At a recent prayer school, a new convert from Buddhism shared how he’d noticed that stillness and silence had ‘tilled the soil of his soul’ to make it more receptive to Jesus. Stillness, lingering, tarrying - isn’t just about quieting external noise - it cultivates a heart that’s ready to encounter God.
Learning to simply be with Jesus, without an agenda, can completely change our relationship with Him. The noise in our minds gradually quiets (eventually), and we can, like Elijah, finally hear His whispers. The simple truth is that stillness is not a luxury for the spiritually elite but it is an essential rhythm for anyone longing for a deeper relationship with God.
Finding Your Rhythm
Reclaiming the art of tarrying requires intentionality:
Start small. Set aside five minutes before bed or at the beginning of your day. Find a quiet corner, silence your phone, and simply sit with Him—no agenda, no hurry, just an open heart, ready to receive.
Anchor in Scripture – Choose a short verse like "In quietness and trust is your strength" (Isaiah 30:15). Repeat it slowly, letting the words sink deeply into your heart.
Embrace the Awkwardness – Your mind will wander. This is normal. Gently bring your attention back to God's presence without judgment.
Create a Sacred Space – Designate a specific time and place where you will meet with God regularly. The consistency helps train your mind to enter stillness more readily.
Tarry in Community – Join with others in unhurried prayer, whether in a small group, a prayer room, or even a church service that prioritises waiting on the Lord.
This isn't about adding another spiritual practice to your crowded schedule. It's about creating space where God can move and speak at His pace, not yours. So, lingering - tarrying - isn't about passivity on our part; it's about presence—making yourself available to the transforming power of simply being with Jesus.
A Quiet Rebellion
At a time when we are constantly being pulled in different directions, Jesus offers us a simple yet profound invitation: "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). We will find that rest as we choose stillness. We'll be engaging in a quiet rebellion against the frantic pace of modern life.
Will you accept the invitation to tarry with Jesus today?
Start small. Set aside five minutes before bed or as you begin your day. Find a quiet corner, silence your phone, and simply sit with Him. No agenda, no hurry—just an open heart, ready to receive.
Remember, "God is always present, but we are not always aware. Stillness helps us to notice Him." The practice of tarrying might just be the doorway to the deeper relationship with God your soul has been longing for. What might change in your life if you learned to linger? Why not give it a try?
Other Resources
Book: Be Still by Brian Heasley - In this practical, easy-to-read guide, Brian Heasley explores the multitude of rhythms of Christian prayer and devotion that can be woven into everyday life. From memorising scripture and prayer running to noticing beauty everywhere, he demonstrates how we don’t need to be static for our hearts to be still, and how even in the midst of a full, busy life, we can spend quiet time with God.
Course: The ‘Be Still’ 5 part series will equip you and your community to learn how to develop a regular rhythm and deeper daily relationship with God.
Retreat Day: We are now able to offer a guided ‘Be Still’ retreat day for groups. If you’re interested in hosting one for your church community, get in touch with our resident spiritual director, Jacinda, to find out more.