A hindrance to the fullness of Divine Presence is the lack of silence. The Word comes only in a deeper way when peaceful silence encompasses everything. I may refuse to enter into the night of inner quiet, of non-resistance to the Divine. Then my life is doomed to remain parched and lifeless -- a wasteland. Silence is a gentler rhythm of speaking out and keeping still. The cultivation of silence belongs to the gentle style of life.
~ from SPIRITUALITY AND THE GENTLE LIFE by Adrian van Kaam
I praise You in the silence of my heart, for your steadfast love, O my Beloved; I offer prayers of gratitude O Holy One of the universe . My heart leaps for joy, as I whisper to You in the night -- my soul also, which You renew within me.
