Our world is full of noise. Constantly. Some is good and healthy while some is distracting and can keep us from knowing ourselves, God, and others. Consciously or subconsciously, we often use noise as a coping mechanism or as a way to keep ourselves from uncomfortable feelings. However, allowing silence in our lives helps us move from feelings like loneliness to a deeper relationship with God and a clearer sense of who we are in him.
When we clear out some of the noise, we can hear more clearly from God. We can come to hear his great love for us and his assurance that we are not alone, which will change how we live outwardly. We might even see ourselves seeking more silence as we practice it and may find ourselves turning down the noise that used to be our constant companion.
For Individuals
If you have 5-10 minutes
Think of a few moments you could turn into pockets of silence a few times this week. Could you get up 5 minutes earlier and be content with silence instead of reaching for your phone or turning on the news? Could you drive to work without listening to music or a podcast and breathe deep in the silence, learning to find comfort in it?
Where can you clear out just a bit of the noise and instead find comfort from God in the quiet?
Prayer Exercise: Breath Prayers – This simple prayer is one way that you can connect with God while practicing silence.
If you have a bit more time
Spending time in silence is best learned by starting with small, regular periods of time, then building up to longer chunks of time. If this practice is new for you but you have more time, spend 10 minutes at a time in quiet, as many times as you are able this week. Try to focus on God’s presence with you in the silence. Can you picture him with you? Is there anything he wants to say to you?
FOR SMALL GROUPS
Commit to fitting in times of silence individually, and then share together what your experience was like. Share what was hard about it so you can empathize with each other, and also share what you learned about God to encourage one another. The places it was hard for you are likely places it was hard for others, so don’t hesitate to share honestly!
FOR FAMILIES
Find small ways to help your family learn how to be comfortable in silence if it’s not a part of your regular rhythm. Turn off the TV if it’s normally always on, and talk about how it’s ok to have some times of quiet. Or create a spot in the house where anyone can go if they need quiet, or to sit and be alone for a bit. A special chair or tucked away corner can become a sanctuary for any member of the family when the noise gets overwhelming or when feelings overtake us. Talk to your kids about how quiet is good for us, and be honest about how it’s not always easy, or let them know that it’s a spot that you are growing too.
If you’re ready for more
Spend a longer period of time in silence than you have before. If you regularly spend time in silence, can you commit to a half day or full day? What length of time would push you in a new and different way? What would make that difficult to fit in, and how can you invite your family, friends, or roommates to help you make it happen?
Once you make a plan, see it through. Be intentional about where you go and how you structure your day, then spend a day with Jesus. Picture him with you. Practice enjoying his presence without the distraction of our usual noise. Build in time at the end of the day to reflect on what it was like to be in silence for that long, alone with God.