Most of us probably talk a lot—even when we pray.
In his book Prayer, Richard Foster says, “We live in a wordy world with our sophisticated high-tech telecommunication systems. We now have the dubious distinction of being able to communicate more and say less than any civilization in history.” In his chapter on contemplative prayer, Foster makes these further comments: “Contemplative prayer is the one discipline that can free us from our addiction to words. Progress in intimacy with God means progress towards silence.”
We are told that Psalm 46 was Luther’s favorite. In it we read, “Be still and know that I am God” (v.10). Habakkuk announced, “…the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him” (2:20).
If we haven’t yet tried being silent and still before God, we should. We may be in for a surprise. While we hear of some Christians spending twenty minutes or more of complete silence in God’s presence, for many of us, even three minutes may seem like an hour. Contemplative prayer is a spiritual exercise that takes time to learn. We should not become discouraged if we find two minutes of quiet far too long. First, patiently accomplish one. And when we come before God to pray in this way, we should tell him what we’re attempting to do and ask for the grace and strength of Christ to accompany us. Then, without words, quietly wait.
Some have suggested that contemplative prayer is only for matured Christians. However, perhaps making the effort (though, at first, necessarily brief) could assist in our growing spiritually. Silence in prayer is another way to express 22 our longing after God, and although even some matured Christians may find this spiritual discipline difficult, if followed through, it is worth it.
In her book Solitude and Silence, Ruth Haley Barton writes, “Silence… is a place of longing and desire and reaching for that which we do not yet have. In this wordless place the whole of our person turns itself toward God and waits to be addressed by God.”
In John 15, when Jesus repeatedly said “remain in me” he used the illustration of the vine that grows to produce bountiful and luscious fruit. Its growth takes place quietly. Let us take a minute or two and pray: “Silently now I wait for thee…”
Reflection:
1. When I am with others, do I find it easier to talk or listen?
2. In my prayer life, which do I find easier?
