The sound of silence

We all know the story, that God was not in the wind or fire but in the sheer silence. That is why silence is one of the classic spiritual disciplines-and something that is sorely lacking for most of us.

One of my favourite verses is from Psalm 46: “Be still, and know that I am God!” In my own life I was moved to honour that call to stillness and spent several weeks at a contemplative monastery where silence was encouraged. In fact, every Monday was a “desert day,” and one week every month the entire campus was silent. At first it felt strange not to be talking to people, even if you saw them in the hallways, but we were encouraged to commune with God instead of conversing with each other. It was a richly grounding experience and left me feeling more peaceful that I have in years.

It is a challenge in our busy lives to take the time out and simply be still, but I am more convinced than ever that regular, intentional, protracted periods of silence are what are needed for souls that feel frazzled, stretched thin by the demands of daily life.

Lord, draw me into the silence of your presence, to know your healing love. Amen. — CN