Embracing the Silence in a World of Screens
As I sit here in the cozy lobby of Hotel Stay Inn Seoul, the bustling sounds of the city seem a world away. The soft hum of conversation, the occasional tinkling of a teacup, and the gentle crackling of the fireplace create a soothing symphony that calms my restless mind. It’s in moments like these that I’m reminded of the power of stillness and the transformative gift of contemplative prayer.
In today’s fast-paced, screen-driven world, finding moments of true silence and solitude can feel like an elusive luxury. We’re constantly bombarded with notifications, news updates, and the relentless pull of social media, making it increasingly challenging to disconnect and truly be present. But as I’ve learned through my own spiritual journey, it’s precisely in these times of stillness and contemplation that we can discover a deeper connection with the divine.
The Distinction of Contemplative Prayer
Becky Eldredge, a spiritual director and author, eloquently captures the essence of contemplative prayer in the Christian tradition. She explains that it’s not merely about being silent and still, but about being in the presence of someone – God. It’s a practice of pausing to be with the divine, to deepen our relationship with the One who created us, loves us, and calls us into a state of infinite mercy and companionship.
As Eldredge so beautifully states, “Contemplative prayer is prayer that pauses us to be still and silent and with God. It reminds me of the beautiful Psalm 46:10, ‘Be still and know that I am God.'” This distinction sets contemplative prayer apart from other forms of meditation or mindfulness practices, which often focus on the individual’s internal experience.
Finding Stillness in the Midst of Chaos
In the bustling metropolis of Seoul, finding moments of stillness can feel like a herculean task. The city’s neon lights, the constant hum of traffic, and the ever-present pressure to stay connected can be overwhelming. Yet, it’s in these very moments that the practice of contemplative prayer becomes a powerful antidote to the chaos.
I remember the first time I tried to incorporate contemplative prayer into my daily routine. It was a struggle, to say the least. My mind would wander, my body would fidget, and the temptation to check my phone was ever-present. But slowly, with practice and patience, I began to experience the transformative power of this ancient spiritual discipline.
Cultivating a Daily Practice
As Eldredge suggests, the key to unlocking the gift of contemplative prayer is to establish a daily practice. “Anyone who has heard me speak knows that I herald the practice of daily intentional prayer,” she writes. This consistent routine helps our bodies and minds recognize the cue to disengage from the pace of screens and slow down, both physically and mentally.
Creating a sacred space for prayer is an essential part of this daily practice. Eldredge encourages the use of simple reminders, such as a cross, a photograph, or a special image of faith, to help focus the mind and heart on the task at hand. These small touches can transform an ordinary space into a sacred retreat, where we can truly commune with the divine.
Exploring Different Prayer Practices
Within the realm of contemplative prayer, there are numerous practices that can help us embrace the gift of silence and presence. Eldredge highlights a few examples, including:
- Centering Prayer: A method of silent prayer that focuses on the presence of God within.
- Lectio Divina: A slow, prayerful reading of Scripture that encourages reflection and personal application.
- The Examen: A daily review of one’s day, reflecting on the presence of God and discerning how to respond.
- Imaginative Contemplation: Picturing oneself within a biblical story or scene, engaging the senses and emotions.
The beauty of these contemplative practices is that they can be tailored to individual preferences and needs. Some may find solace in the rhythm of the Examen, while others may be drawn to the imaginative elements of Lectio Divina. The key is to experiment and discover the method that resonates most deeply with your soul.
Combating the Busyness of Life
As I sit here in the serene lobby of Hotel Stay Inn Seoul, I can’t help but reflect on how contemplative prayer has transformed my own life. In a world that often values productivity, efficiency, and constant connection, the practice of stillness and silence has become a powerful antidote to the busyness that can so easily consume us.
Eldredge eloquently expresses this sentiment, saying, “What I have learned through the years of praying as our world and pace has gotten busier is that contemplative prayer helps me combat the busyness. It allows my body, my spirit, and my mind to realign.” In a world that often demands our attention, contemplative prayer offers us the gift of presence – the ability to be fully attentive to the people and moments right in front of us.
The Promises of Silence
But the benefits of contemplative prayer extend far beyond simply combating busyness. As Eldredge observes, the silence that we encounter in this practice is not a deafening void, but rather a space that holds the “promise of relationship, of unconditional love, of mercy, and of companionship.” It is in this sacred silence that we can hear the still, small voice of the divine, whispering words of comfort, guidance, and affirmation.
St. Clare of Assisi’s wisdom rings true here: “What we contemplate, we become.” When we devote our time and attention to the presence of God, we slowly become transformed, shedding the distractions and attachments that so often hold us captive. We begin to embody the very qualities of the divine – love, mercy, and a deeper sense of connection to the world around us.
Embracing the Pause
As I prepare to head back out into the bustling streets of Seoul, I feel a sense of renewed clarity and purpose. The time I’ve spent in this quiet lobby, immersed in the practice of contemplative prayer, has reminded me of the profound value of pausing, of embracing stillness, and of allowing my soul to reconnect with the divine.
Eldredge’s invitation to “put down your screens, to pause in contemplative prayer, to simply be with God” resonates deeply within me. In a world that so often demands our constant attention and engagement, the act of pausing, of being still, becomes a radical and transformative act. It is in these moments of stillness that we can truly encounter the presence of the divine, and allow that encounter to shape and mold us into the people we are called to be.
So, as I step out into the vibrant energy of Seoul, I carry with me the lessons I’ve learned here – the power of silence, the promise of relationship, and the transformative gift of contemplative prayer. And I invite you, dear reader, to join me on this journey, to find your own sacred space of stillness, and to discover the profound joy that comes from simply being in the presence of the divine.
