Andy McIlvainThe Necessity of Silence - John Mark Comer
Video from Q Ideas
"How can Christians counteract the noise that goes on around us? John Mark Comer shares the importance of silence and how it can give us a fresh appetite for beauty in our current culture." from video introduction.
"THE BASICS
By John Mark Comer
READ THIS OVERVIEW
In our over busy, digital, distracted world, the first challenge we face in silence and solitude is simply our lack of ability to slow down and focus. To “be ourselves with God,” we must first learn to center our mind and body.
The goal of week one is to first identify a time and place that works well for you to practice silence and solitude, set a modest goal, and then start with the basics: begin with a breathing prayer, and then just spend some time abiding.
It sounds easy, but, like all good things, it takes practice. So be patient with yourself and God, and enjoy the journey.
BEGIN WITH SILENCE AND PRAYER (5 MINUTES)
Gather together as a Community in a comfortable setting (around a table, on the couch, the floor of a living room, etc.). Say a quick prayer to invite the Holy Spirit to lead and guide your time together. Then spend a few minutes in silence. Why silence, even while together? Because we live in a busy, noisy world, under a non-stop assault of distraction. In the midst of all the chaos, it’s hard at times to hear the voice of God, and that of our brothers and sisters. As we gather together as a family, we want to hear what the Father is saying to and through each of us, and respond in turn. A great way to do that is to begin each time with silence and prayer.." from the article: Silence & Solitude: Part 1