“GOD SPEAKS IN THE SILENCE OF THE HEART. LISTENING IS THE BEGINNING OF PRAYER.”

– SAINT TERESA OF CALCUTTA

We live in an increasingly noisy world. Our calendars are full, the roads seem to be getting busier, and we have an endless stream of entertainment to distract and occupy us. It can be easy to be swept up in the rapid and deafening pace of life, filled with an endless supply of things that grab and hold our attention. It can leave us lacking time to stop and pause, or too exhausted to meaningfully reflect on our daily experiences. Often, when we stop, it is to escape into a restful (or restless) night of sleep and begin the cycle all over again!

Silence is often understood to be the absence of something. Namely, it is thought of as a space without sounds and noises, rather than a unique state on its own terms. And while it is an absence, it is also a presence. Elijah, one of the great prophets of the Jewish and Christian traditions, was in a tumultuous episode of great personal and political upheaval when he returned to familiar sacred ground in search of safety and assistance. On that ground, Elijah was met with the veracity of powerful winds, violent earthquakes, and raging fires. It was, however, in the proceeding silence that Elijah was able to hear the gentle whisper of God. Through the stilling of our being comes the meeting with the constant and loving presence of God, who is always there and always waiting. This is one of the encouragements of prayer.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus invites us to enter a space of prayer that is unconcerned with outward appearances or the watchful eyes of others. It is a safe and secluded space where we can speak to God with familiar closeness and vulnerability. God is waiting with unconditional love, calling us to deepen our trust in God’s unfolding activity in our lives.

Prayer opens the heart to act with forgiveness and to live with gentle hope.

We can have the propensity to fill our prayers with words and recitations. There is a place for intentional and intercessory prayers that articulate our needs, wants, and hopes. Conversational prayer is also an appropriate manner of building a relationship with God, who deeply desires to be part of every aspect of our lives. Just like in other relationships, regular, honest, and clear communication is crucial to the fostering of love and support between people. In that same Gospel from Matthew, Jesus reassures us that God knows what we need before we ask. The intimacy of God’s love and knowledge of us extends from our earlier beginnings of life to its natural end.

Our Vincentian tradition echoes the calls of the Gospel to uncover this essence of prayer. the Rule encourages us to “…rejoice in discovering the spirit of prayer in the poor, for in the silence, the poor can perceive God’s Plan for every person.” It is a humble act to embrace the silence.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

• What characterises your prayer life?
• What is comfortable and uncomfortable about silence for you?
• Take 5 minutes to yourself in prayerful silence. Allow God to speak to you in the silence, without expectation of results or judgement of yourself. Allow your thoughts and feelings to rise, and consciously hold them before God.

From: Firewood for the soul, vol. 2, A Reflexion Book for the Whole Vincentian Family
St. Vincent de Paul Society, Queensland, Australia.
Text by: Samantha Hill and James Hodge.