A Moment of Silence

Needing to Pause

I am sitting at my desk, thinking of all of the things I could write about this month. It is November and the month of gratitude. We are a couple days from the election and emotions are running high. Coronavirus numbers are spiking in many states and countries. And tomorrow is All Soul’s Day, a holy day set aside for honoring those who have passed away. With all these issues swirling in my head, I have decided on a simple reflection that invites us into a moment of silence.

While there are no words that can match God’s power and strength in the quiet, I know it can take a lot of time and effort to feel peace in solitude. Maybe you have never felt it. That is okay. Lower your expectations and let your quiet time be whatever it is for you.

Jesus can be our model when we need to give ourselves permission to stop and surrender to a moment of stillness.

But now more than ever the word about Jesus spread abroad; many crowds would gather to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray.

Luke 4:15-16

Allow for Silence to Calm Your Mind, Body, and Soul

Silence is the language of God. Once we pause and allow our internal chatter to quiet down, the priorities of the day tend to settle into perspective.

Pause.

Loosen your shoulders and your neck.

Take a deep breath…

Inhale… Exhale…

Close your eyes…

Invitation

Set your timer for three minutes. Sit in silence. Focus on a mantra such as, “Be still and know that I am God,” (Psalm 46:10).

Allow for Silence and a Gratitude Prayer

During this month of Thanksgiving, we are reminded to stop and give thanks for all that God has given us. Has this year made it more challenging or easier to cultivate gratitude?

Invitation

Set your timer for three minutes and reflect on the grace-filled moments and people for which you are grateful. Thank God for them.

Allow for Silence to Pray for a Peaceful Election

God of all, in this year of election, in these days of discernment, IGNITE us with the fire of your love. ENFLAME our hearts with courage to embrace dialogue that transforms and truth that frees. KINDLE our love with kindness to heal divisions and reconcile relationships. LIGHT our imaginations with insight to envision and create a world where all are one. STIR our actions with justice and peace to engage critical concerns and cherish all of life. FIRE our lives with audacity and hope to risk all for God’s mission. By Roxanne Schares, SSND, Reflection from LCWR (Leadership Conference of Women Religious)

Invitation

Set your timer for three minutes and hold the United States and the world in prayer. Pray for respect within yourself and others.

Allow for Silence to Pray for Those Affected by the Coronavirus

As coronavirus numbers spike in certain regions of the United States and world, frustration and fear over the uncertainty can feel overwhelming. A moment of silence lifts the worries off a heavy heart, trusting God is present.

Invitation

Set your timer for three minutes and pray for those who have lost loved ones, jobs, or are struggling with anxiety and depression, triggered by the pandemic.

Allow for Silence to Pray for a Loved One Who Has Passed

Tomorrow is All Soul’s Day, a holy day the Catholic church designates as a time to honor those who have died. Let us take this time to remember our family members and friends. I am remembering my precious son, Peter, who at 16 died from a brain aneurysm. I am treasuring his gentle personality, comforting hugs, and goofy humor that gave our family so much joy.

Invitation:

Set your timer for as long as you want and hold your loved ones in prayer. Reflect on the love and the loss, trusting God is present in all of it.

Silence

by Mother Teresa

We cannot find God in noise and agitation.

Nature: trees, flowers, and grass grow in silence.

The stars, the moon, and the sun move in silence.

What is essential is not what we say

but what God tells us

and what He tells others through us.

In silence He listens to us;

in silence He speaks to our souls.

In silence

we are granted the privilege

of listening to His voice.

Silence of our eyes.

Silence of our ears.

Silence of our mouths.

Silence of our minds.

…in the silence of the heart

God will speak.

Share

Please share with us. How was your experience of slowing down and allowing for some silence?

If you are remembering someone special for All Soul’s Day, please share them with us. Tell us about them. If you want to upload a picture, follow us on our facebook page, where you can post pictures of your loved ones and take a special moment to honor them.