Experiencing God’s Love in Silence

In Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening by Cynthia Bourgeault, she writes about a person overwhelmed by grief and how they sought solace in their church’s prayer room. Sitting in silence, they let their tears flow, unable to find words to pray.

Slowly, they felt a deep peace envelop them, as though God were holding their pain. In that stillness, this person knew they were loved unconditionally—not because they prayed perfectly, but because they were simply present. The experience transformed them, renewing their trust in God’s abiding love.

Maybe you have had a similar experience or have a desire to connect with God in a similar way.

How to Experience God’s Love Through Silence and Stillness

In a world filled with noise and distractions, it can be hard to hear the gentle whispers of God’s love. Yet, it is often in moments of silence and stillness that we experience the depth of God’s presence. Contemplation and centering prayer offer a beautiful pathway to open our hearts to God’s unconditional love.

Why Silence and Stillness Matter

Silence and stillness create space for us to step away from the busyness of life and enter into the sacred presence of God. In these moments, we set aside words, requests, and distractions, allowing our hearts to simply rest in God’s love. This isn’t about “doing” something but about “being” with God, just as we are.

Getting Started with Centering Prayer

Centering prayer is a simple yet powerful practice that invites us to encounter God’s love. Here’s how you can begin:

1. Choose a Quiet Space: Find a peaceful spot where you won’t be disturbed. Sit comfortably and take a few deep breaths to settle your mind.
   
   
2. Select a Sacred Word: Choose a word or phrase that symbolizes your intention to be open to God’s love—something like “peace,” “love,” or “Jesus.” This word serves as an anchor, gently bringing you back to stillness when your mind wanders.
   
   
3. Let Go of Thoughts: As you sit in silence, thoughts will naturally arise. When they do, simply return to your sacred word without judgment or frustration. Remember, this is a time to rest in God’s presence, not to control your thoughts.
   
   
4. Set a Timer: Begin with 5-10 minutes and gradually increase the time (20 minutes twice a day was recommended by Thomas Keating and his organization Contemplative Outreach) as you grow more comfortable. Consistency is more important than duration, so aim to practice daily.
   
   

Opening Your Heart to God’s Love

Through silence and stillness, we move beyond surface-level thinking and open ourselves to the deeper reality of God’s love. This love is not something we earn or achieve; it is freely given. As we rest in God’s presence, we gradually come to know in our hearts that we are fully seen, fully known, and fully loved.

The Gift of Contemplation

Experiencing God’s love through silence and stillness isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. By embracing moments of quiet, you open your heart to the boundless, healing love of God that is always with you.

SoulStream offers Opening to God’s Love: A Course in Contemplative Prayer, guiding participants to experience God’s love through silence, stillness, and transformative spiritual practices. For more information, visit https://soulstream.org/contemplative-prayer-course/.