Silence is hard to find. It’s either the noise in our head, the noise through our technology or the noise via our hectic schedules.

Some would say that silence is actually impossible since the absence of noise might be impossible except for a few remote spots on planet Earth.

If that’s the case, then how might we define silence in a prayerful way? I describe it the following way, “the intentional and uninterrupted state that you choose in order to be mindful of the presence of God.”

Let’s break it down further:

-intentional: in other words, you choose it. You take a few moments to be quiet and still. This can be anywhere and anytime but it’s always deliberate. Sometimes a quiet space chooses you. You are going for a hike and the vista nearly arrests you. It takes your breath away.

-uninterrupted: in other words, there is focus. This can be for only a moment but it’s a silence that captures your heart and your mind. In this way, the silence isn’t forever but for a distinct period of time... and then it ends. Its ending is either the result of your choice or the noise from outside that breaks the silence.

-mindful of the presence of God: in other words, the silence brings you into deeper awareness of God’s presence. You become grateful for something- grateful to God. You gain a new insight- an insight from God. You process your heart and your thoughts- all so that you can be drawn further into relationship with God.

If silence is found in this way, through an intentional pause from the noise of the world, it can be discovered in ordinary moments. As you go through your week, where will you choose to find silence and how will God use it to bring you closer to Him?