Embracing Silence: A Timeless Journey to God
Who doesn’t long for the feeling of comfort in their heart? As I sit here tonight, preparing to enter into silent prayer, I feel an uneasiness stir within me. The anticipation of silence feels daunting. Am I truly ready to be still? Is it really needed to allow myself to dwell in the quiet and open my heart to God? It never feels like I am ready. And that’s okay. A wise person spends time preparing to be ready. In a world that constantly demands our attention, where schedules dictate our every move, and distractions are only a screen away, silence can feel unnatural. Sitting by ourselves, free from gadgets, books, or entertainment, even for just a few minutes can be a monumental challenge. Yet, it is in this very silence that the soul finds its deepest connection with God.
Jaya Reddy
3/11/20253 min read
The Humility of Prayer
At the heart of prayer is humility—a surrender of self to the divine. Letting go of my need for control, my attachments to the world, and allowing Him to enter my being requires openness. How available am I to God, to listen to His voice, truly seeking His will?
"Prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy." – Saint Therese of Lisieux
Saint Therese beautifully expresses the essence of prayer. It is not about perfect words or grand gestures but about opening our hearts in silent longing. It is about being with God, not for what we can gain, but simply for the love of Him.
Beyond Feelings: The Deeper Call
We often expect prayer to be accompanied by warmth, peace, or an overwhelming sense of God’s presence. As I grow in faith, & older I realize that God is not always found in the "fuzzy feelings." In fact, the absence of such feelings often is allowing me to hear His voice more profoundly. True prayer is not about emotions but about intent—a steadfast desire to remain in God’s grace, to seek His will, and to serve others in love.
Take a moment today to reflect on: Can I carve out a few minutes of silence? A silent prayer that lifts the needs of others above your own.
The Call to Agape Love
How do you spell agape love in a tangible way? Surely, it is a sacrificial love. Is it the fruit of the "time" I spend with a loved one?
Agape love is the highest form of love—selfless, sacrificial, unconditional. It calls us to extend love not just to those who are easy to love but to those we struggle to accept, to those who are different from us, & to our enemies. Perhaps the best way to embody this love is to spend "time" in silent prayer, lifting others in intercession, and seeking to love as Christ loves.
The Indicators of a Prayerful Life
When we stop praying, we lose our joy. We lose the ability to see God at work in our lives, in our communities, and in our churches. A self-centered heart is a symptom of a prayer less life. When we commit to prayer, the fruits unfold in mysterious ways, changing not just us, but the world around us. Prayer aligns our vision with God’s and enables us to see people through His eyes.
Finding Your Sacred Silence
Even in uneasiness, there are ways to find our "sweet spots" in silence. Whether through nature, hymns, scripture, or a shared reflection, the key is to keep searching for ways to come closer to Him & detach ourselves from the ways that keep us from Him. The wise ones continually seek the right ways to glorify God, even in the absence of warm fuzzy feelings.
During this lent season, as I try to make a holy hour daily, as I challenge myself to a 90-10 practice: 90% of time spent to pray for others, 10% for myself, I invite you to join me in spirit. During this Lenten season, let us embrace silence, enter into prayer one-one with God, and seek God to reveal His plans for us with the purity & simplicity of our hearts.
"The fruit of silence is prayer." – Mother Teresa
Mathew 6: 6
But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
Psalm 62:2
My soul rests in God alone, from whom comes my salvation.
Let us not be distracted. Let us Prepare a space to Pray. Let us be Still. Let us give Him His Time back. Let us Pray for others, especially for the ones we struggle to pray for. Amen.
In Christ, Jaya