Silence in Prayer


    From the blessing before dinner to the closing prayer at church, the prayer is said in almost the same form. An introduction to God, an address for thanks or concerns, and a conclusion with an “Amen.” However, The Phenomenology of Prayer introduces a new component to prayer- listening. It almost makes too much sense. Prayer is supposed to be a conversation with God, so why are we always the only one talking? The Bible tells us stories of God reaching out to people through different ways, so why do we not afford Him the opportunity to talk to us when we are trying to talk to him as well? One of the most powerful events in the Bible is when Samuel responds “Speak, for your servant is listening.” In this story Samuel listens to God through prayer and emerges with a newfound faith. Benson and Wirzba present a new facet to prayer that seems almost to obvious to ignore. Silence and listening allow God to address his concerns to us as we do the same to Him.

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