The word contemplation is a combination of the Latin prefix “con” which means “with or together” and “temple” which means a “place reserved for and regarded as occupied by divine presence.” So, with Silent prayer, we are “reserving a time and place to be with God and occupied by His presence.”

Silent Prayer is an opportunity to create space for three things:

1. For those of us who seem to be often “on the go,” it is an opportunity for inner stillness, where “doing” stops and there is only “being” with God. It is a time for rest knowing he loves us no matter what we “do” for him or others. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still [let go, relax] and know that I am God.”
2. For those of us who are constantly “in our heads” thinking and having difficulty quieting our minds, this is an invitation to inner silence where you quiet your mental obsessions and focus only on God. Psalm 62:5 says, “My soul wait in silence for God only, for my hope is in him.”
3. For those of us who have a “compulsion to connect,” “FOMO” (Fear of Missing Out), and/or are easily distracted by people and their demands and dramas, this is an invitation to inner solitude where it is just you and the Lord connecting, safe in his love, free from the distractions of others. Matthew 14:23 says that “After Jesus had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was by himself alone.”

In the silent prayer space, we set aside purposeful time to “behold the beauty of the Lord and meditate in His temple” (Ps 27:4).

There are many different methods for practicing this type of prayer, and you need to do what works for you. There is no “right” way. Here are some helpful suggestions:

1. Stilling – Close your eyes and recenter your scattered senses on the presence of God. Relax your body and your mind. Breathe slowly and deeply. It is helpful to sit upright in a chair with your feet flat on the floor or cross-legged on a pillow, but position yourself in a way that would help you attend to God. Some like to place hands on their thighs, in an upright position or folded comfortably in the lap, but again, whatever is comfortable.

• Scripture – It can be helpful to start with a short passage of Scripture to focus on God. A poem, song, or spiritual writing can also be beneficial.

• Set a Time – There is nothing in Scripture that mandates a set amount of time for this practice. Start slowly and ease into more time. The Centering Prayer App has a timer that can be set for different lengths.

• Silence with a Sacred Word or Phrase – It can be helpful to select a word or phrase before you begin your period of silence. This word or phrase can bring you back to God when your mind wanders. (And it will wander.)  This can be a name for God (God, Jesus, Spirit, Abba, Father) or an aspect of his character (love, peace, light, rock, presence, etc.) or a phrase like “Come, Holy Spirit” or “Lord Jesus, Come.”  When your mind is distracted by your thoughts, simply let the thoughts go and silently say the word or phrase to bring your attention back to God’s presence.

• Slowly Transition – Slowly open your eyes. You might like to reread the Scripture, writing, song, or poem you began with or say the Lord’s Prayer to conclude the time.

One young student in this practice was complaining to her teacher about the thousand thoughts that distracted her while she was practicing her discipline. The teacher responded, saying gently, “Oh my friend, not a thousand distractions but simply a thousand opportunities to turn your mind back to Jesus!” When it wanders, do not beat yourself up or think you are doing something wrong, just come back to gazing at God by saying the word or phrase if this helps.

I have heard the metaphor that Silent Prayer is like gazing at a river. As you gaze, many interesting things may pass by. Some will be yucky debris (like your negative thoughts and emotions) or shiny and beautiful boats (positive thoughts and emotions). Whether positive or negative, do not climb onto the things passing by, just let them float by and immerse yourself in the life-giving waters of the river of God’s presence!

A Personal Testimony

Many years ago, when my mother-in-law yelled at a car that had cut in front of her, my four-year-old exclaimed, “My mom yells at cars too!” My son is now in his 30s, and I had tried for years to undo this unsavory example to my children, but it was to no avail.

I didn’t become more intentional about this kind of prayer because I wanted to stop yelling at cars, but after a few months of this daily practice, I noticed that I wasn’t yelling at cars anymore. I also noticed that when something stressful or negative happened, I was responding with more peace, sensing God’s presence and responding to God in the moment rather than reacting to the circumstance. That is when I was convinced of the value of this practice in my life.

Silent/Centering Prayer in Community

While this is an exercise in solitude, many find it beneficial to do this with others. There is a beauty in doing it in community even though there is no sharing or talking during the time. It also keeps one accountable to the practice. There are many Silent/Centering Prayer groups around the world. For more information contact me via the Contact Form!