BIS Reads // The Power of Silence

In a world filled with constant noise—from technology’s buzz, to demands of work, to the have-it-all pace we’re sold on social media—silence can feel like an elusive luxury. In the middle of chaos, we need this gift from God more than ever. In Cardinal Robert Sarah’s book, The Power of Silence: Against the Dictatorship of Noise, he invites readers to embrace silence as a vital means of encountering God. Cardinal Sarah proposes this anecdote as a necessity for divine intimacy, especially in a world of clamor and distractions.

Ten Tips to Prioritize Silence in Daily Life

For the busy Catholic woman who has not been able to pick up this must-read, here are ten tips from Cardinal Sarah to help you prioritize silence in everyday life.

1. Begin and end every day with silent prayer.

Before getting to that ever-evolving to-do list, start the day right with a moment of silence. Sit in the stillness, offer a prayer to God, or merely listen for His word in your heart. This sets the tone for your day, prioritizing God’s presence in your life before entering into the noise around you.

Similarly, at the day’s end, spend a few moments in silence to examine your conscience. Ask for forgiveness and invite God into the broken moments. Praise Him for what He has done in your day. The silence we offer God in self-reflection allows us to develop humility and repentance to better conform to His will.

2. Create space for silence at home.

Because we are physical beings as well as spiritual ones, our environment greatly affects our focus. Create a physical space for silence within your home to break free from distractions and physically remind yourself of God. Wherever this place may fit into your home—a corner, room, closet, or blanket on the floor—try to make it as uplifting as possible, perhaps with a Bible, candle, and crucifix to start. Soon you will associate this still space with an interior stillness.

3. Silence devices against “the dictatorship of noise.”

We live in a world where we are overconnected to everyone and everything. We do not need to be reachable every moment of the day; nevertheless, we have bought into this lie between the vibration of a phone, breaking updates, and the cry of consumerism. Commit to a period of time every day to be device-free. Whether that is a drive home from work or a nap break for your kids, turn off technology and dedicate the time to silence. You can pray, read, contemplate, or simply sit and listen. Turn off the noise to allow God’s voice inside.

4. Read, quietly and contemplatively.

Perhaps this device-free time is a good moment to introduce spiritual reading into your day, if you have not already. Whether you focus on Scripture, the life of a Saint, or another reflection, read without distractions. Allow the passages or quotes that you read to sink deeply into your heart.

5. Take silent walks in nature.

One intentional way to contemplate God’s beauty and goodness is within His own creation. Allow nature to be a part of your day, as a gift to us that calls us to contemplate our Maker. Take some time to walk—or even sit—outside, as far away from the hustle and bustle as you can. Encountering the Creator’s work around us allows us to more deeply comprehend His heart and desires for our peace and happiness.

6. Fast from unnecessary speech.

During Lent and on Fridays, we fast from food or other goods; consider fasting from unnecessary speech as well. Whether it is during a certain hour, a mealtime, or even an entire day, practice being by yourself or with others in silence. This practice also allows us to consider our words more deeply. Are we deliberate when we speak? Where do we perhaps succumb to gossip or complaining out of habit? Silence allows us to practice intentionally listening not only to God, but also to others.

7. Incorporate silence into conversations.

Of course, we are made for communion with others, and we need deep, moving conversations to express and share meaning. Within your conversations, however, you can allow space for silent listening. Allowing others to speak, or even pondering the silence instead of being quick to fill it, enables us to be fully present to loved ones. Silence can open up the space for deeper honesty and connection than constant noise.

8. Practice silence at Mass.

Silence is built into the sacrifice of the Mass alongside our responses and hymns. Focus on embracing this silence rather than allowing exterior distractions to make their way in. It can be difficult to filter out our constant stream of thoughts and distractions. Allow yourself to reflect on the Sacrifice before you during each intentional moment of stillness. What is the Lord trying to tell you through the Readings, homily, or Eucharistic prayer?

9. Attend silent Adoration.

Another way the Church has provided for us to sit before God, consider making a commitment to Adoration once a week or month. Cardinal Sarah describes Eucharistic Adoration as the ultimate experience of silent prayer. Here, before His Real Presence, we are able to be uniquely intimate with our Savior. The physical experience of Adoration helps allow our souls to be in close attunement to the sound of God's voice.

10. Embrace God’s silence in trying times.

A trial as old as that of Job, some periods of suffering in our life are seemingly met with silence from God. Instead of growing discouraged during these times, sit with your Creator in equal silence. Know He is present even if you cannot hear His voice. The absence of immediate answers or comfort can leave us feeling agitated or anxious; but far from being absent, God is inviting us even deeper into trust and faith in Him, even through trials.

In a world that always vies for our attention, silence offers a respite to refocus on what is truly important. By inviting silence into our lives and resting in it, we can cultivate a deeper relationship with God and hear His words more clearly. Let this tool become a powerful force for good in your life and draw your heart closer to Christ’s by intentionally allowing His voice to speak in the quiet of your soul. Allow silence to transform everyday moments into opportunities for deeper communion with Him.

Niki Mallinak is a high school theology teacher and middle school youth minister in her home state of Georgia who loves her faith, deep philosophical discussions, and good coffee. She is forever down to hear a good story, and you can catch her with song lyrics running through her mind on repeat when she’s not planning her next great adventure (preferably involving her puppy and the great outdoors).