Befriending Silence

By Roger Owens

In silence we are present with God who is the very heart of our heart, present with us, loving us from the inside out. We can try to define what we do and what God does in the silence, and how it relates. But I prefer pictures. This morning, my five-year-old daughter gave me a picture. I was praying, practicing my silence, and she awakened earlier than usual. Almost silently, she scooted on her bottom down the stairs and walked over to where I was sitting. I lifted her into my lap, where she curled up, putting her head against my chest. She didn’t ask for anything or say anything. She just lay her head on my chest where, I imagine, she could hear my heartbeat. I thought of the beloved disciple in John’s Gospel at the Last Supper “leaning on Jesus’ bosom” (John 13:23, KJV).

That’s what we do in silence—lean against God’s breast, listening to the heartbeat of love.

Try It Out

As you begin to practice silence, consider these suggestions:

• Don’t worry about doing it right. There are several approaches; the key is to try one and stick with it. Be gentle on yourself when you get distracted.

• Don’t judge your thoughts. Instead, simply let go of the thoughts by returning your attention to prayer.

• Don’t neglect a where and when. Practicing silence and resting in God requires a clearly designated time and place.

• If finding time for silence is hard, write a list titled “My Life Conditions That Prevent Silence.” What on the list seems easiest to change?

Roger Owens, What We Need Is Here: Practicing the Heart of Christian Spirituality. Used by permission. © Upper Room Books.

Photography by Jace & Afsoon / Unsplash