Unstructured Silence

Often head types find it very difficult to sit in silence, especially unstructured silence, because their minds are always racing through information, facts, and plans. However, this isn’t unique to the head intelligence center alone; all human beings find it hard to wait in silence for God to reveal himself to us.

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 this, 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 visualize the most peaceful, beautiful, or worshipful place you can imagine; a place where only you and God get to hang out.

• Make this the common location through the next week. That way your mind will not have to worry about 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. Then allow yourself to be silent, letting God fill the space with whatever he wants: thoughts, impressions, pictures, emotions, feelings.

• Allow yourself to just 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 of love and safety.