"Once, when Jesus was praying in solitude..." Lk 9:18
Too often otherwise committed Catholics find it impossible to take time for prayer in solitude. Busy about important things, they cheat themselves of a richer faith life. For some, solitude is unnerving, even frightening. So used to the noise of life in the United States, they are very uncomfortable with deep silence. More sadly, they have not learned or asked for the gift of quiet meditation.
Jesus does not speak much about prayer in the Gospels but the Gospel writers tell us that he often prayed, especially before making a decision (Lk 6: 12-13) and during his passion in the garden of Gethsemane and on the cross. Jesus also taught his disciples to pray, but it is his escapes to mountains and deserted places that tells us so much about his dependence on his Father and the strength he gained from slipping away to quiet places to pray. (Mt 4: 1-2)
Silence and solitude can be transforming. Even when we are distracted continually by the events of our lives and in the world, if we take time to seek a quiet place and sit in silence, God will do God's work. Prayer in solitude is mostly about submitting ourselves to God's ways and God's plans. It is not a time to figure life out or plot strategies for our faith lives, but to hand our lives over to God in trust and hope, knowing God has a plan for us which only slowly unfolds. Resting in God through quiet prayer opens us to whatever God wants from us, and assures us that we are listening to the only One who counts.
Today, take 10 minutes away from the busyness of the day and sit in silence.
Why don't you pray quietly more often and consistently?
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