Teach Me to Be Silent

O Lord Jesus, your words to your Father were born out of your silence. Lead me into this silence, so that my words may be spoken in your name and thus be fruitful.

It is so hard to be silent, silent with my mouth, but even more, silent with my heart.

There is so much talking going on within me. It seems that I am always involved in inner debates with myself, my friends, my enemies, my supporters, my opponents, my colleagues, and my rivals.

But this inner debate reveals how far my heart is from you.

If I were simply to rest at your feet and realize that I belong to you and you alone, I would easily stop arguing with all the real and imagined people around me.





These arguments show my insecurity, my fear, my apprehensions, and my need for being recognized and receiving attention.

You, O Lord, will give me all the attention I need if I would simply stop talking and start listening to you.

I know that in the silence of my heart you will speak to me and show me your love.

Give me, O Lord, that silence. Let me be patient and grow slowly into this silence in which I can be with you.

Amen

Henri J. M. Nouwen

Well known for such books as Out of Solitude, In the Name of Jesus, and The Way of the Desert, Henri Nouwen is a priest, a professor, and a writer. Born in the Netherlands, he has taught at the university of Notre Dame, Yale Divinity School, and Harvard Divinity School. most recently he makes his home in L'Arche Community in Canada.

"Beginning of Wisdom"
Edited by Thomas Bechnell

and Mary Ellen Ashcroft

Mimi