If I asked you today, what would you tell me about your need for silence?
In this week’s episode, I ask Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow about the thread of silence that runs through his “faith montage.” Bruce’s new book Everything Good about God is True, is his exploration of faith. And although he is a Presbyterian minister, and his tradition is big on words, he has also found the necessity of silence.
In our brief conversation for today’s episode, Bruce shares why he could not have paid attention to silence at earlier stages of his faith or ministry leadership. This observation is yet another good reminder that the practice of ministry grows and changes with time.
What silence do you need?ย
As much as I’m an extrovert and as much as I love talk things out and process them aloud, my need for silence is profound. Let’s clarify. I don’t need to be silenced. And I’m not interested in being shut out with silence from situations where I need information.
What silence do I need? Contemplative prayer without words or images. Simple presence of the holy. I am grateful for solitary stillness. And I also love shared silence. (Something I lead most days at the Writing Table.) Carefully tended silence in worship is deeply nourishing. And moving through the unbuilt world is a relief from the noise that fills so much of our planet. The easy quiet of companionship is a balm.
Particularly when I’m in a season of loss, lament, or grief, silence is part of the remedy I crave.
For the last few years we’ve been planning and sharing a gathering on (or near) the “Longest Night.” When I wrote a prayer building on Rutter’s “Deep Peace” I did not even know about Longest Night services. However, I have attended and led many pre-Christmas services to acknowledge loss and grief.
The Longest Night Gathering
Sunday December 22, 2024
This year we are planning another gathering on the Longest Night. I hope you will join me, Erin Robinson Hall, nova sturrup, Kyndall Rothaus and Bruce Reyes-Chow on December 22. We will share songs, prayers, space for your grief, and yes, silence. We design this hour for anyone to attend. We especially have in mind ministry leaders who need their own space to simply be and have room for rest, attend to grief, and take a moment to focus on healing without the weight of responsibility.
