Do I have to pray in silence?
A reflection on modern day contemplative prayer
Contemplative prayer, as I mentioned in Journaling and Contemplation, is about “feeling and experiencing” prayer rather than “doing the right things in the right way.”
Ancient contemplatives believed that meant silence and meditation.
I would argue that (and so would much of modern science and research) you can still feel and experience quite a bit without total silence.
Also, silence is difficult to achieve in our modern age.
And if, like me, you live in an urban area, true silence is impossible to come by.
So, does that mean we have to drive out to an undisclosed location to experience contemplative prayer?
Absolutely not.
But, while silence is a goal would should all strive for, you can still engage in contemplative prayer without silence.
Right now, as I am writing this, I am listening to an instrumental celtic folk metal playlist. No joke.
And this is also the music I write, and often pray, to exclusively.
It’s this or silence for me.
And there are days when silence isn’t an option. So music that makes me feel a certain way, helps me focus, and drowns out the surrounding noises is a huge help to pray expectantly, waiting for God to respond.
Do you have to pray in silence? No way…but it might help.
And, if you want to try it out but can’t get a silent location, then put on some music that keeps you calm, collected, and focused!
My prayer for today
Our Father, helps us throw off anything that is holding us back from engaging in conversation and community with you. And help us find ways to experience silence in our own time and spaces. Amen.
Remember
If you want to try contemplative prayer, then try and find a quiet space to pray and then listen. But, if you can’t get total silence, then find some great music to keep you focused and calm!