Unstructured Silence

Consider developing the practice of sitting in unstructured silence with God, where you allow him to dictate the rhythm, agenda, and structure of the prayer time. At first, you may only be able to engage in this for a few minutes, but the more you practice, the easier it will become. Your mind will be able to find greater spaces of peace, and your ability to let God “call the shots” will also grow.

Practicing Unstructured Silence:

• Open by telling the Holy Spirit you give Him permission to use this time for whatever He would like. Next, quiet your mind, allowing yourself to picture the most peaceful, beautiful, or worshipful place you can imagine, where only you and God get to be together.

• Make this the common location through the next week. By returning to the same “location,” your mind will not have to worry about the details each time but recognize this as a “holy space” set aside for you and God.

• Picture yourself sitting down opposite or next to one member of the Trinity, whichever one you feel led to. Then, allow yourself to be silent, letting God fill the space with whatever He wants: thoughts, impressions, pictures, emotions, feelings.

• Allow yourself to relax in this space and let him set the agenda. It’s only 10 minutes out of your day, and you can allow yourself to rest in this place created by the Spirit, full of love and safety.