![]() ![]() Hypocrites are devoid of secret prayer the one who loves God, however, is constant in secret prayer-and ready to pray aloud when a proper occasion arises.Īnd the occasion will arise. Being thought holy, Jesus notes, is all the reward they will receive (Matt. Jesus, for example, warns His disciples about the hypocrites who love to pray in public places in order to be seen by others. There are, however, good reasons why we would do well to pray silently on some occasions and aloud on others. Yet, Jesus also taught His disciples that our Father hears prayers offered silently or in secret, and Paul tells us the Spirit who strengthens our faith and hope through prayer also intercedes for us with groans too deep for words (6:5–6 Rom. Scripture is full of examples of public prayers offered on all sorts of occasions, from Solomon’s long prayer at the dedication of the temple (1 Kings 8) to Christ’s four-word cry of agony (and unshaken hope) from the cross (Matt. As we do, we might find ourselves crying aloud to the Lord, or we might find our words failing us.Įncouragingly, there is no biblical reason to believe that praying out loud is more or less effectual than praying silently. Those in step with the Spirit display patience and self-control in all things, but faithful disciples also take their anger, frustration, anguish, bewilderment, and even their unbelief and despair to God in prayer. It is no surprise, then, that the full scope and force of life’s passion is taken up in prayer. It involves all of who we are and aspire to be before God. In prayer, we pour out our hearts’ desires to God in adoration, confession, petition, intercession, and thanksgiving as we submit ourselves to His will. I often have to remind myself: Be "flexible" and open to changes.Prayer is the natural impulse of faith and the vigilant devotion of hope. ![]() I also need to accept distractions (such as sirens passing close by) and turn myself again and again towards the Lord (interiorly). I certainly need to be aware of safety when outside. Distractions are not "interruptions" of these silent offering moments, they are very minor bumps. I will come back later to this wonderful and very simple prayer (The Jesus Prayer) which is a most profound and formative one, a truly amazing one!īack to my exercise of silence and patience (which we should do sincerely and honestly, in addition to patiently and humbly): then I visualize myself in a quiet place, if I am not at home, and if I am, I offer my environment to be blessed, or, once in a while, I might visualise myself in a Church, alone with the Lord. I often start with the Jesus Prayer, then I try to concentrate on one or a few words of this prayer: ![]() as in a crowded bus) and concentrate on quieting down that little inner voice of mine which, often enough, just goes in circle in my head. ![]() And then it becomes easier and it taught me to detach myself from the physical environment I am in (let's say. But the truth is, it is a question of will and regular practice. Or so I try, once in a while.Not nearly enough.Īnd there are moments where I easily drift. Him short moments of recollection, giving Him my complete attention, for theseįew minutes of quiet time carved out of a busy day. In an effort to practice moments of silence on my part but with the intent ofīeing attentive to God's voice at the very same time, I wrote this prayer. I will try to exercise patience and humilityĪnd I offer you these feeble efforts… An exercise in humility I will calm down my fears and my emotions, I will slow down my thoughts and my imagination, In an attitude of peaceful rest and loving devotion, I will sit here, quietly, with my eyes closed, I welcome Your action! When listening is true welcomingĪnd to prepare myself, to make room for You, O Lord, I offer you this moment of silence. A prayer of silence and patience Silence as an offering ![]()
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