Lent comes early this year, and over the next 40 days, you will be hearing a lot about the Three Pillars of Lent – Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving. So today, on this first Sunday of Lent, lets touch on just one of the three pillars – Prayer, and perhaps explore this pillar just a bit.
Prayer is nothing more, and nothing less, than an encounter with God.
But let us be clear about one important fact … God isn’t some “thing” we can quantify; Some “thing” we can encounter on a physical plane. God is mystery. And Solitude, Stillness & Silence is one of the most profound ways to dive deeper into the mystery that is God.
Throughout the Gospels we see that Jesus often withdraws alone to a still and silent place to commune with God.
In our gospel today, we read that to prepare for his earthly ministry, Jesus goes into the desert. The desert is a place of solitude. A place of stillness. A place of silence.
There are no crowds. There are no visual distractions. No noise save the gentle sound of wind over sand. The desert is filled with profound solitude, stillness and silence, and is a place of deep and authentic prayer. Silent prayer.
When was the last time you sat down in silent prayer with the Divine Counsellor and said … God – what do you think I should do? When was the last time you sat down in silent prayer with the Divine Navigator and said … God – give me some direction. When was the last time you sat down in silent prayer with the Divine Architect and said … God – show me the plans. It has been a while, yes? Don’t be too hard on yourself. Most people find silence very difficult.
In the midst of your busy day, could you sit in silence for 15 Minutes? 10 minutes? Five minutes? Could you sit there and not check your smartphone and simply listen to God? Really? If you are old, like me, the hardest part is to overcome the desire to check your e-mails. If you are younger, then it is your text messages or twitter feed. Younger still, and it is checking your SnapChat and Instagram. While sending messages and tweets. And checking emails. And playing Candy Crush Saga. While doing your homework.
While technology and the fast-paced world we live in have given us many blessings, it has also hindered us from experiencing the solitude, stillness and silence where God likes to speak. A few years ago Pope Emeritus Benedict noticed this unfortunate trend and said “one sometimes gets the impression that people are frightened of being cut off, even for an instant, from the torrent of words and images that mark and fill the day.”
How about you? Are you troubled, are you frightened to be cut off from the torrent of images and words that mark and fill the day?
Be honest. If you are not sure, ask your spouse. Or your parents. Or your kids. And if you are still not sure, then answer the following questions ….
- Do you start the day catching up on emails while you grab your morning coffee and cereal?
- Do you drive down the 404 or the 400 listening to 680 News?
- Or ask Siri to read you the latest emails or text messages?
- Make or take phone calls in the car?
- Is the last thing you do at night to add some reminders into your smartphone about tasks you need to do tomorrow?
If any of these words describe you, then, I am sorry to inform you that you are hooked on the torrent of images and words that fill your day. Pope Benedict was talking about you.
At a deeper level, I think we find silent prayer difficult because we fear solitude, stillness, silence. Perhaps it is because we might become aware of something abut ourselves that we’re not comfortable or happy with. Perhaps past and present failings would come to mind and most of us want to avoid that.
But how are we ever going to discover who we really are if we don’t have some solitude, stillness, and silence in our lives to become aware – not only of our sinful inclinations – but, more importantly, of our good qualities? And how are we ever going to encounter God if we don’t have some solitude, stillness, and silence in our lives to become more aware of God’s presence?
The answer? Spend 15 minutes a day in Solitude, Stillness, and Silence.
Write that on a note and stick it on your bathroom mirror … seriously. And, if you must, create a daily reminder on your smartphone. 15 minutes a day in Solitude, Stillness, and Silence.
And how do I do this 15 minute thing, you ask?
First, find a place of Solitude – a place to be alone and away from the noise of life, and from interruptions. So that means no TV, smartphones and smart watches. Finding a place where you can literally be alone with your thoughts. And letting those around you know you are unavailable for the next 15 minutes.
Next – become Still. For most of us, this is the most difficult part. Thoughts will constantly invade our minds, everything from the grocery list to arranging an oil change for the car. Our minds will wander. The trick here is not to focus on the invading thought, but rather, when you become aware that your mind wandered – just let the thought go. It will come back later in the day. No need to hang on to it. If it helps, perhaps focus on your breathing, or your pulse, Perhaps look at a lit candle. Or an icon. Or a flower.
And finally, be Silent. Let God do the talking.
So, what can you expect when you spend 15 minutes a day in Solitude, Stillness, and Silence?
Well, the first few times, it may seem a bit contrived and artificial. Be gentle with yourself. With practice you will find the process becomes not only more comfortable, but also richer in its insights. How do you know when God is talking to you? When the Holy Spirit is pulling at your heartstrings? Well, I suspect God is not too concerned about your task list, so if thoughts about all the things you planned to do that day enters your mind, you can most likely let that thought go. If, however, your mind wanders perhaps onto an encounter you had in the day, or a favourite passage of scripture, or a favourite hymn, or the morning sunrise, then let your mind explore that thought. Don’t worry if you have many fleeting thoughts – again, it will all unfold for you – so be gentle with yourself. And at the end of the 15 minutes, I would suggest a very brief prayer. “Thank You, God” is really all you need…. but say whatever prayer you feel moved to say.
Challenge yourself this Lent to enter the desert. Challenge yourself this Lent to incorporate 15 minutes a day in Solitude, Stillness, and Silence into your lives. I guarantee, you will encounter God. And the encounter will transform you.