An ordinary friendship would not get very deep if one of the two friends did all the talking. There needs to be listening as well as speaking,the response of mind and heart to the other.Sometimes words seem unnecessary, as each enjoys just being with the other.
So in our communion with God,
there are times when we pour out our hearts in word,there are times when thoughts are too deep for words,
and other times when feeling is too deep for thoughts,when the still silence of love received and given
is the highest form of communion.
Come now, turn aside for a while
from your daily employment, escape for a moment
from the tumult of your thoughts. Put aside your weighty cares, let your burdensome distractions wait, free yourself awhile for God
and rest awhile in him.
Enter the inner chamber of your soul, shut out everything except God and that which can help you in seeking him. And when you have shut the door, seek God. Now, my whole heart, say to God, 'I seek your face, Lord, it is your face I seek.'
St.Anselm of Canterbury
“For God alone my soul in silence waits” - Psalm 62
“Be still, and know that I am God” – Psalm 46
To be empty of all self-concern;
to accept quietly one's own weaknesses and limitations;
to be empty of all striving and even thinking;
to be silent and open, so that God can make His presence felt,
speak within us if He will.
At such times I become my authentic self,
as I am when the image of God in me
is allowed to rise into quiet, alert consciousness.
To be trusting, patient, unhurried, expectant and receptive.
George Appleton
Teach us O God, that silent language which says all things.
Teach our souls to remain silent in Thy presence;
that we may adore Thee in the depths of our being
and await all things from Thee,
whilst asking of Thee nothing but the accomplishment of Thy will.
Teach us to remain quiet under Thine action
and produce in our souls that deep and simple prayer
which says nothing and expresses everything,
which specifies nothing and articulates everything.
Fr.Jean Nicloas Grou, Jesuit priest (1731-1830
Lord, the Scripture says:
“There is a time for silence and a time for speech.”
Saviour, teach me the silence of humility,
the silence of wisdom,
the silence of love, the silence of perfection,
the silence that speaks without words,
the silence of faith.
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