WHAT IS SILENT PRAYER IN THE CHRISTIAN CONTEXT? 10-13-2016

What do we mean by silent prayer in the Christian context? The experience of deep silence is so universal there’s a danger of getting too broad and abstract in our approach. Of course silence is the broadest and most abstract experience we can have. But I believe our approach to silence, when integrated, is deeply rooted in particulars of our faith tradition.

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There is the silence itself, which John of the Cross refers to as “God’s first language.” Yet our approach, understanding, and way of holding silences are particular. Silent prayer and our Christian container for holding the silences are equally important. We need both for balance.

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Silent prayer balances the mistaken understanding of prayer as a one-way conversation by focusing on what’s most important: what is being communicated from the other end of the line. When we sit in silence waiting for God’s presence, our mind experiences some level of distraction. No matter the intensity of distraction, we wait. And when the chatter finally subsides, God can give us what we desire most: experiences of God’s self. The deepest experiences of prayer are sheer silence, which echo a primal peace beyond understanding, beyond conditioning, beyond choosing.

David Frenette’s book The Path of Centering Prayer reenergized the Centering Prayer tradition with its fresh insights and teachings.  Centering Prayer Meditations: Effortless Contemplation to Deepen Your Experience of God is a wonderful companion audio program  created to be equally rewarding as a stand-alone guide – gives listeners an immersive resource to learn contemplative prayer, step by step and in the moment. With clarity and compassionate presence, Frenette explains the essential principles of this contemplative practice for both new and seasoned practitioners.

Check out Rich’s review of Christian Prayer Methods by Dr. Philip St. Romain.