On Prayer and Silence

Prayer does not need to be a “spoken” word, either externally, placed outside of us in either spoken or written form, or internally, spoken within us in our own hearts and minds. And when I write, here, of “prayer,” I am intending, also, to mean meditation.

Prayer need not take on “tangible” form in terms of word or words, but it still has meaning and is a form of communication just as a “communication” consisting of words may, also, say very little at all or consist of meaning separate and distinct from that which is, on the surface, at least, intended.

Because that is what communication is, ultimately, about: intention.

In terms of “prayer,” there, certainly, seems to be a great deal of both disagreement AND anger over its role and place in society. For example, how often are we told by some, on one end of the political spectrum, of the value of “thoughts” and “prayers” following national tragedy, while, on the other end, “thoughts and prayers” are excoriated as being meaningless, or, at least, not nearly enough, in the face of what is considered to be avoidable tragedy.

But the truth is, maybe it’s not the fact of our prayer or non-prayer that is vitally important, but the NATURE of it.

Insofar as prayer is a moment of reflection, or should be, it is imbued with meaning. But the spoken OR silent nature of our prayer is only meaningful insofar as its intention is concerned.

Prayer should be accompanied by action if that is the sincere outcome of prayer and if action is able to mitigate some undesired or negative outcome. But prayer can ALSO be an action in and of itself, and this is true irrespective of whether or not the action of prayer leads to some subsequent action. (Although, perhaps, the sincerity of our prayer can be “judged,” at least within our own hearts, by the outcome of its action insofar as subsequent action is or is not warranted under the circumstances.)

This is because action does not always require “movement,” but rather, “simply” (because how difficult it can often be to discern our own intentions), discernment and intention. Even silence and stillness can be forms of action if discerned and intentional. And discernment, itself, requires two ingredients: sincerity and patience.

The ONLY reason I know this is because of how often I have failed at both of these things.

Meaningful action can only exist with prayer OR meditation, insofar as they are the same thing (even if that prayer and meditation take place in a moment in the quick discernment and intention of an otherwise sincere and patient heart). But prayer (and meditation), itself, can only exist with action, as well.

Because they are one and the same.

At least that is what I hope.

And pray for.