Wednesdays from the Well

The daily practice of silence and solitude can be both rewarding and frustrating for many of us. We want to become closer to God through this practice but it is just so difficult. Why is it so difficult? We are a distracted people. There are distractions all around us all day long. The distractions come from many directions and many sources. These distractions are not all bad either, some are the good things in our lives. Like our families, careers, friends, and other good things we have been blessed with in life. Then we have the bad/negative ones as well; television, internet, getting ahead, keeping up with others, and anything that leads us away from what is important to us. 

So, how do I practice silence/solitude with all of these distractions going on all at once around me? I want to introduce you to a process that has helped me personally in my journey with silence. There is a practice called 'the prayer word'. The prayer word is the process of focusing on a particular 'word' or 'phrase' during the time of your silence/solitude. This word or phrase can come from the Bible or it can be an inspirational word or phrase that has made an impact on your life. Make it personal, perhaps from a special time frame in your life. This will help you remain centered and focused on your time with God and yourself. When you feel the distractions coming into your silent space, just silently repeat the word/phrase to yourself slowly. 

As you do this, you will bring your mind/heart back to your moment of silence. It will take time and patience with yourself as you grow in this practice. Begin small; small time frame, small word, and small expectations. Then as your become more familiar with it, you will increase your time. Keep your word or phrase simple, and continue to be patient. The circumstances in life will usually have an effect on your moments of silence and that is normal. Your silent moments will resemble your emotions for a moment as you begin, but with time and the prayer word/phrase, you will become centered and focused. This will vary depending on your life circumstances at the time of your practice. Always remember to take your time and be patient with God and yourself as you listen to God in silence. 

Be patient...Trent