April 15th, 2025
by Pastor Allen Coleman
by Pastor Allen Coleman
Silent Saturday: When God Seems Silent
Silent Saturday is the space between death and resurrection. Jesus is buried. The sky has gone still. The disciples have scattered. It is the pause in the middle of the story, where grief speaks louder than hope, and God seems silent.
It is the day for those who know what it feels like when God does not answer right away. For anyone who has prayed and, seemingly, heard no reply; grieved with no comfort; or waited for breakthrough that still has not come.
This day is for you.
Jesus was not inactive in the silence. His work continued, hidden from view. Silent Saturday reminds us that the silence of God is not the absence of God.
How the Church Has Observed It
Historically, the Church has called this day Holy Saturday. In the early centuries of Christianity, believers marked it with fasting, quiet, and reflection. It was a day of sacred stillness: no celebrations, no services, no noise. It honored the mystery of the in-between, the time when Jesus descended to the dead, finishing the work of salvation beyond what human eyes could see.
In many traditions, Silent Saturday included a vigil after sundown, waiting in darkness for the resurrection light to break forth. For centuries, the silence of Saturday has held space for the suffering, the waiting, and the wondering.
It is the day for those who know what it feels like when God does not answer right away. For anyone who has prayed and, seemingly, heard no reply; grieved with no comfort; or waited for breakthrough that still has not come.
This day is for you.
Jesus was not inactive in the silence. His work continued, hidden from view. Silent Saturday reminds us that the silence of God is not the absence of God.
How the Church Has Observed It
Historically, the Church has called this day Holy Saturday. In the early centuries of Christianity, believers marked it with fasting, quiet, and reflection. It was a day of sacred stillness: no celebrations, no services, no noise. It honored the mystery of the in-between, the time when Jesus descended to the dead, finishing the work of salvation beyond what human eyes could see.
In many traditions, Silent Saturday included a vigil after sundown, waiting in darkness for the resurrection light to break forth. For centuries, the silence of Saturday has held space for the suffering, the waiting, and the wondering.
Devotional: For Use On Silent Saturday
How to Use This Devotional
This devotional is structured across twelve hours of Silent Saturday. Begin at 7:00am, with a new section every three hours. Each entry includes a Bible verse, a reflection, and a prayer adapted from the historic Book of Common Prayer, which has guided Christian worship and devotion since the 1500s. These prayers have been gently rewritten in modern language to help you engage with God personally and pastorally.
Use each time block to pause, read slowly, reflect deeply, and pray honestly. You are invited to sit in the silence with Jesus, knowing resurrection is near, even if you cannot yet feel it.
This devotional is structured across twelve hours of Silent Saturday. Begin at 7:00am, with a new section every three hours. Each entry includes a Bible verse, a reflection, and a prayer adapted from the historic Book of Common Prayer, which has guided Christian worship and devotion since the 1500s. These prayers have been gently rewritten in modern language to help you engage with God personally and pastorally.
Use each time block to pause, read slowly, reflect deeply, and pray honestly. You are invited to sit in the silence with Jesus, knowing resurrection is near, even if you cannot yet feel it.
7:00am to 10:00am: The Shock of Silence
Luke 23:56 — But by the time they were finished, the Sabbath had begun, so they rested as required by the law.
The day begins with obedience, but the air is heavy. The women rested as the law commanded, yet nothing in them felt settled. Their world had just shattered. Sometimes we move through routines while our hearts are in pieces. This morning, slow down before you begin any routine. Acknowledge any pain and bring it to God who is with you.
Book of Common Prayer (modernized):
Lord of all comfort, we wake today unsure of what comes next. Meet us in this quiet place. Calm our anxious thoughts. Hold us when we do not understand. Be near in the silence. Be present in the ache. Amen.
Luke 23:56 — But by the time they were finished, the Sabbath had begun, so they rested as required by the law.
The day begins with obedience, but the air is heavy. The women rested as the law commanded, yet nothing in them felt settled. Their world had just shattered. Sometimes we move through routines while our hearts are in pieces. This morning, slow down before you begin any routine. Acknowledge any pain and bring it to God who is with you.
Book of Common Prayer (modernized):
Lord of all comfort, we wake today unsure of what comes next. Meet us in this quiet place. Calm our anxious thoughts. Hold us when we do not understand. Be near in the silence. Be present in the ache. Amen.
10:00am to 1:00pm: The Weight of Waiting
Psalm 13:1 — O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way?
Time seems to move more slowly in uncertainty. And the longer we have to wait, the more doubt creeps in. Waiting, however, doesn't have to be passive. I can be its own kind of wrestling. When God feels distant, it is easy to question His nearness. But even in the long silence, He remains faithful. Let these hours be honest. Name your fears. But also choose to trust.
Book of Common Prayer (modernized):
God of hope, teach us how to wait with faith. When the hours drag on, give us strength to endure. When we are tempted to despair, remind us that You are not done. Help us trust that You are working in ways we cannot see. Amen.
Psalm 13:1 — O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way?
Time seems to move more slowly in uncertainty. And the longer we have to wait, the more doubt creeps in. Waiting, however, doesn't have to be passive. I can be its own kind of wrestling. When God feels distant, it is easy to question His nearness. But even in the long silence, He remains faithful. Let these hours be honest. Name your fears. But also choose to trust.
Book of Common Prayer (modernized):
God of hope, teach us how to wait with faith. When the hours drag on, give us strength to endure. When we are tempted to despair, remind us that You are not done. Help us trust that You are working in ways we cannot see. Amen.
1:00pm to 4:00pm: The Ache of Uncertainty
John 20:9 — For until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead.
Even those closest to Jesus missed what He had clearly said. Sometimes our pain and anxiety muffles His promises. The disciples knew His words, but their sorrow made it hard to believe. We, too, struggle to hold on when nothing around us feels true. Let this be a moment to return to what He has said, and ask Him to help you believe again.
Book of Common Prayer (modernized):
Faithful God, when our minds are confused and our hearts are weary, remind us of what is true. Re-anchor us in Your Word. Open our eyes to see Your hand, even in the shadows. Keep us close while we wait. Amen.
John 20:9 — For until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead.
Even those closest to Jesus missed what He had clearly said. Sometimes our pain and anxiety muffles His promises. The disciples knew His words, but their sorrow made it hard to believe. We, too, struggle to hold on when nothing around us feels true. Let this be a moment to return to what He has said, and ask Him to help you believe again.
Book of Common Prayer (modernized):
Faithful God, when our minds are confused and our hearts are weary, remind us of what is true. Re-anchor us in Your Word. Open our eyes to see Your hand, even in the shadows. Keep us close while we wait. Amen.
4:00pm to 7:00pm: The Promise in the Pause
Lamentations 3:26 — So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.
Evening settles in. The tomb is still sealed. And yet, God has not forgotten. What feels lifeless is not the end. Jesus is accomplishing victory in silence. As these final hours of the day unfold, rest in the promise that God is not finished. The stone will roll away. Life will rise again.
Book of Common Prayer (modernized):
God of resurrection, help us wait with hope, not fear. Let the silence form in us a deeper trust. Prepare our hearts for what You are about to do. And give us peace, knowing You always keep Your promises. Amen.
Lamentations 3:26 — So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.
Evening settles in. The tomb is still sealed. And yet, God has not forgotten. What feels lifeless is not the end. Jesus is accomplishing victory in silence. As these final hours of the day unfold, rest in the promise that God is not finished. The stone will roll away. Life will rise again.
Book of Common Prayer (modernized):
God of resurrection, help us wait with hope, not fear. Let the silence form in us a deeper trust. Prepare our hearts for what You are about to do. And give us peace, knowing You always keep Your promises. Amen.
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