Godly quietness...

...cropped up in this morning's Post Communion prayer.

Does anybody understand what 'godly quietness' is? Why does Common Worship have 'godly quietness' with a small G?

So how is normal quietness modified to be godly quietness? And is quietness somehow a virtue of faith that is commended in, for example, the life of Jesus or the characteristics of God described in Old Testament stories?

Please tell me, because I really would like to know.

Comments

[Louise]

I certainly wouldn't claim to understand it, but it makes me think of Psalm 131 v2: about stilling and quieting your soul like a weaned child. I always thought that was one of the best moments of early parenthood - one minute you have a desperate, red, hot, sweaty, screaming bundle of fury - then after a feed you look down at a picture of ultimate contentment: total trust, stillness, rest, peace and safety. So for me it is finding that place in God's presence. Don't know about the small g?!

[Charlie]

I would guess in Cranmer's world, it means being free to practice your religion without being burnt at the stake. It's similar language to the Evening Collect, "that we .. may pass our time in rest and quietness". I love that one, but I think it means something different to me from what it meant then.

[Denise]

For me the key words in this prayer are 'peaceably ordered'. Peace and order equals a quietness of spirit which invites God in. Is 'godly' a small g because it means of God rather than God ?