Carmelite Conversations

The Role of Silence in Prayer


Listen Later

Here Mark and Frances reintroduce a topic they believe does not get enough attention in our discussion of contemplative prayer or even in conversations about the spiritual journey. The topic is the important role of silence in our daily prayer and in our daily lives. Mark and Frances begin by explaining that the spiritual definition of silence goes well beyond the simple absence of noise, and they readily admit that our human language always falls short when trying to adequately explain what is meant by true silence. Indeed, they contend it is something that can only be experienced by the individual soul; it is really a gift of the Holy Spirit and really the most we can hope to do it dispose ourselves to receive this gift. None the less, in this two part series, Mark and Frances do attempt to provide some explanation of what is meant by this gift if silence, and more importantly they hope that by offering what descriptions they can, the listener will be in a better position to seek after this intimate encounter of silence in prayer. In this conversation they begin by explaining the twelve degrees of silence that are offered from the writings of the Desert Fathers. These include some of the more obvious elements of quieting our imagination, our feelings or emotions and our self love. But the list also includes the less obvious elements of needing to quiet our intelligence, judgement and will. This program is a very good introduction to the critically important role of silence in our prayer life and in the daily circumstances of our spiritual journey.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Carmelite ConversationsBy Carmelite Conversations

  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7

4.7

46 ratings


More shows like Carmelite Conversations

View all
Pints With Aquinas by Matt Fradd

Pints With Aquinas

6,804 Listeners

Letters From Home by St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology

Letters From Home

459 Listeners

The Way of Perfection Audio Book - by St. Teresa of Avila by Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

The Way of Perfection Audio Book - by St. Teresa of Avila

16 Listeners

The Jeff Cavins Show (Your Catholic Bible Study Podcast) by Ascension

The Jeff Cavins Show (Your Catholic Bible Study Podcast)

2,195 Listeners

The Counsel of Trent by Catholic Answers

The Counsel of Trent

2,624 Listeners

The Catholic Talk Show by Ryan Scheel & Ryan DellaCrosse

The Catholic Talk Show

1,512 Listeners

The Good Shepherd and the Child by CGSUSA

The Good Shepherd and the Child

124 Listeners

The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) by Ascension

The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

62,732 Listeners