Enjoy the Silence
- Jon Sherwood
- 9 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Silence can be unsettling. But it can also be incredibly inviting.
And yes, like Depeche Mode told us, we should enjoy the silence.
When the usual noise of daily life fades away, what remains is raw and revealing. I recently spent five days on silent retreat, an annual rhythm I am blessed to partake in.
It is a time set apart from the world to listen deeply — to God, to myself, and the world around me. These retreats continue to sculpt my understanding of faith, presence, and peace.
The Power of Silence to Reveal
Silence is not just the absence of sound. It is a space where distractions fall away and deeper truths can surface. During the retreat, I realized how rarely I allow myself to be truly silent. My mind often fills the quiet with worries, plans, noise, and distractions from screens and devices.
But often, the silence is a mirror.
Silence exposes what we usually avoid. Without distractions, I am brought into a position to better face my fears, doubts, and hopes more clearly.
It creates space for God’s voice. The quiet allowed me to hear Scripture and prayer in a new way, not just as words but as living guidance.
It fosters presence. Being silent can help me stay more present and fully in the moment, appreciating the sacredness of time itself.
These lessons can encourage anyone feeling overwhelmed to try moments of silence daily. Even five minutes can open a window to clarity and calm.
“Be still, and know that I am God. Ps 46:10
Deepening Prayer Through Stillness
Prayer during the retreat shifted from routine to relationship. Without speaking, I found prayer becoming more about listening than asking. This change deepened my connection with God.
Listening prayer became central. Instead of reciting prayers, I sat quietly, inviting God’s presence, and waiting.
Scripture took on new life. Reading passages slowly and silently, I noticed details and emotions I had missed before.
Prayer became less about words and more about being. The silence helped me experience prayer as a shared moment rather than a task.
This approach to prayer can transform daily spiritual practice. It invites us to slow down and trust that God speaks in silence as much as in words.
The Gift of Solitude and Reflection
The retreat’s solitude was not loneliness but a gift. Being alone without distractions allowed me to reflect deeply on my life and faith.
I confronted my true feelings. Without the usual noise, I could honestly assess my struggles and joys.
I found space to forgive and let go. The quiet helped me release grudges and regrets that weighed me down.
I gained perspective on my spiritual journey. Time alone revealed patterns and areas where I needed growth.
Solitude like this can be hard to find in everyday life. Yet carving out time for reflection can renew energy and purpose.
Practical Lessons for Everyday Life
The retreat’s lessons are not confined to special times. They offer practical ways to live more intentionally.
Incorporate silence daily. Start with short periods of quiet to reset your mind and spirit.
Practice listening prayer. Focus on being present with God rather than rushing through prayers.
Make time for solitude. Even brief moments alone can help you process emotions and thoughts.
Value nonverbal connection. Pay attention to presence and body language in relationships.
Simplify your routine. Reduce distractions to create space for reflection and peace.
These steps can help anyone cultivate a deeper spiritual life and greater peace.
Many people may not have the circumstances to engage in a several day silent retreat, but even a 24 hour session of not speaking can open up new vistas for one's relationship with God.
Many of us live in a world where we never shut up. We are never quiet. We are never still.
We are constantly inundating our senses with input — screens, music, games, work, work, work — but there is an invitation for us to be still and enjoy the silence.
