Silent

Recently, I was enjoying a telephone conversation with a girlfriend and we started reminiscing about our times when we “volunteered” to partner in leading our Contemplative Prayer Group at our local parish.  For one, we both shared our surprise to even saying yes when approached by our Pastor, asking if we’d like to be involved.  “Could we do this?” was probably our first thoughts.  I know I was scared to be in front of any group.  We even admitted to questioning why we were chosen to assist in leading this holy group of men and women, basically, feeling unworthy.

But as we continued in our reminiscing, my friend and I shared that our faith grew because of that yes, especially thankful we had each other for support (and of course, Jesus’ too).  Each month, our small but faithful group would gather in our cozy Chapel, with reminders all around us that Jesus was present.  After a brief introduction of what our focus would be for that evening, one of us would lead our fellow believers into 20 minutes of silence.  What a challenge – to stay silent sometimes seemed much longer than 20 minutes!  But through that sacred silence, it was amazing to later hear the experiences shared by the group.  It is also amazing how we can hear our Lord speak to each of us if we just remain silent.

Many in our Contemplative Group admitted to having a difficult time staying in silence, with their mind constantly wandering (myself included); but at the beginning of going into our silent mode, we suggested choosing a mantra (a word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation).  The practice involved, with our eyes closed, breathing in to a count of 5 and then slowly breathing out in the same way repeating silently your mantra.  Try it!  Close your eyes, breath in slowly with the word “Jesus” and breath out in the same way saying, “I’m here.” 

When trying to focus on spending some silent time and finding yourself planning what you need to cook for dinner, repeating a chosen mantra a few times will help bring your focus back into prayer mode.

My friend and I are thankful for experiencing together our contemplative faith journey with our wonderful friends all those years.  I know we are also thankful we said yes, even though we were doubtful of our ability.  I pray you will say yes to spending some contemplative time with Jesus in our approaching new year. 

Let’s not begin with good intentioned resolutions that only leave us feeling empty inside.  We don’t need to be a “resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”  Spending quiet time with Jesus on a regular basis will lead you to a much better experience as you continue on your walk of faith.  Trust me – He will not disappoint!  Oh, and don’t forget to say, “Jesus, I’m here.”

“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.”   Psalm 62:5