Part II (C) Silence and Spirituality
If silence is an act, and a form of
communication, why can’t it be used as a means of prayer? Since we can pass message
to each in silence, then we can equally interact with God in silence. God sees
in secret and hears the promptings of our hearts (Mt 6:18, Rm 8:27). Our
ability to communicate in silence is one of those unique qualities of man that
distinguishes him from other animals, and makes him ‘little less than the gods’(Ps 8:5). God communicates to us both in silence and in speech, and we can
reach Him or rather, respond to Him in both ways.
In silence we communicate from
the heart, not just lip’s service! More so, we communicate with the
heart. Further still, in silence we communicate the heart! This
is where friendship and bond are formed. Hence, prayer offered in silence (or
from the silence of the heart) transforms and unites us the more with God.
The restless and noisy society we
commonly experience these days is a reflection of the people’s restless hearts,
which remain restless until they rest in God, as St. Augustine would
say. A heart that encounters God is less noisy and more humble. Calmness and tranquillity
are part of the strength of those filled with the Holy Spirit. Therefore,
silence is a grace. Thus, we not only need to pray in silence, we equally need
to pray for the gift of silence.
‘Be still and know that I am God’ (Ps
46:10). Allowing God to lead the way; to determine the paths we follow, is a
grace beyond measure. It is in the stillness of our hearts that we can
recognize the God who is active in our lives, give way to Him and follow
accordingly. Silence is a grace, a treasure, a platform for interpersonal
encounter with God. It is a catalyst to spiritual growth.
Links to previous articles in the series 'Why am I afraid of Silence?'
Part I: Silence Confronts http://nwachinwe.blogspot.com/2009/12/why-am-i-afraid-of-silence.html
part II: The Nature of Silence (a): Silence as Behaviour http://nwachinwe.blogspot.com/2015/05/why-am-i-afraid-of-silence-ii-silence.html
(b): 'The Conscious Rest' http://nwachinwe.blogspot.com/2015/05/the-conscious-rest.html
Links to previous articles in the series 'Why am I afraid of Silence?'
Part I: Silence Confronts http://nwachinwe.blogspot.com/2009/12/why-am-i-afraid-of-silence.html
part II: The Nature of Silence (a): Silence as Behaviour http://nwachinwe.blogspot.com/2015/05/why-am-i-afraid-of-silence-ii-silence.html
(b): 'The Conscious Rest' http://nwachinwe.blogspot.com/2015/05/the-conscious-rest.html
