Embracing Silence
A PRACTICE FOR PRAYING IN HARD TIMES
We don’t like silence
Blaise Pascal once said, ‘All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.’ That was in the 1600s, well before smartphones and the internet hijacked our attention and begun numbing us through distraction. Pascal might be exaggerating, but it’s true that in hard times it can be easy to neglect how we truly feel. We can be afraid of what comes out in the silence of our lives, and instead choose avoidance, entertainment and distraction.
But Jesus embraced it
Jesus’ ministry begins in Mark 1 with being baptised—before immediately spending forty days in the wilderness, removed from everything other than wild animals, angels, and the temptation of Satan. He comes back to Capernaum for a few days to preach the gospel, call people to follow him and heal a bunch of people. Then he heads straight back to ‘a solitary place’ to pray. The only reason he returned was because they sent a search party to find him. Think about that rhythm of life. The son of God carved out time to sit in isolation and be with his father. Even Jesus needed to be alone, embracing silence, and away from the distractions of life. It was essential for his life and mission.
The Spirit intercedes in silence
Paul knows we need this kind of prayer life too. When talking about patiently enduring suffering in Romans 8, he writes that ‘the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.’ Offering our words in prayer is right and necessary. But offering our silence is equally valuable—and sometimes more so—because the Spirit intercedes for us in our silence. The same Spirit who empowered the ministry and resurrection of Jesus. There is unimaginable power in remaining silent.
The possibility of silence
What if our greatest need in prayer is to say less, and listen more?
What if we took the time and space to listen to the inner longings, fears, and hopes that never have space to rise to the surface—and allowed the Spirit to intercede for us?
What if embracing silence—alone in a room, on a quiet beach, or walking in a forest—holds the possibility for us to pray the prayers we most desperately need to pray?
What happens in the silence
I’m not sure what’s happening in your life right now, and whether it’s a time of joy, sorrow, or indifference. But I know that taking time to be silent with God will be a balm for your soul as the Spirit ministers to you and speaks on your behalf. Whatever season you’re in, the greatest threat to your spiritual health is distraction. The practice of silence is the antidote that the people of God need. We will find deep rest for our souls by being still and unhurried before the Lord.
Embracing silence in prayer
Try carving out some time in your day, week, or weekend to be silent before God. No agenda. Just time to be together, with no distractions, offering those moments as a prayer to him.
This practice is as simple—and difficult—as that.
May you find time to offer your silence as a prayer to God,
and may God’s Spirit help you in your speechlessness.
