Discovering Prayer in the
Silence of Your Heart

Many years ago on a fall afternoon, I visited with an elderly woman as she gently rocked on her porch. After we exchanged pleasantries, she said: "Sister, I do not know what is happening to me when I pray the rosary. She told me she prayed the rosary every afternoon, and after about an hour she realized, to her dismay, that she was only on the third decade. I asked if she had been sleeping or dozing. "Oh, no, Sister, I am not asleep. It is so peaceful and calm. I cannot describe it." Then she looked a bit puzzled. "But, Sister, I am only on the third decade."

I stood in awe at my friend's experience. God had graced her with the gift of passive prayer, and the rosary formed the backdrop for this prayer. This form of prayer, an authentic part of our Catholic tradition, is known by different names: contemplative prayer, prayer of quiet or passive prayer.

Passive prayer is an experience of resting in God's presence in silence of heart and silence of mind. Usually this type of prayer begins with a few moments of recollection as we remind ourselves that we are in God's presence. The person then begins to say a word or phrase such as Jesus, Holy Spirit or another mantra. This mantra is repeated slowly over and over again until it falls away and the person rests quietly with God.

This is a prayer of utter silence. There are no thoughts, no mental pictures, visualizations or conversations with God. If thoughts come to mind the pray-er lets them pass through the mind and leave as quickly as they came. It is at such times that the mantra can be repeated until the mind is quieted and the mantra falls away again. At the end of this prayer the person quietly prays the Our Father. This prayer can last anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour or more. And as with all prayer, it is a pure gift from God.

Often people have questions about passive prayer. Since it is so simple, a person could well question its authenticity as prayer. Yet, it is prayer. It is spending time alone with God in silence, much like two people who love each other can remain together in silence. Some people feel lazy or guilty when they begin passive prayer because they are not doing anything. Yet that is how God is inviting them to pray.

The fruits of passive prayer can be seen in the daily lives of the pray-ers. Perhaps the pray-er notices more patience or maybe certain problems seem less annoying. Days may seem more tranquil. In most cases there is definitely inner peace and a deep experience of the presence of God in ways that one cannot explain.

People may wonder how they know if God is calling them to this type of prayer. There are several ways we can know. We can feel drawn to this form of prayer. We may try it and feel very much at home with God when we enter into this prayer. Perhaps former ways of prayer are no longer meaningful for us. When this happens we may think we are doing something wrong. Usually nothing is wrong. Rather, God is inviting us to pray in a different way. Passive prayer may be our call at that time in our lives.

Some people move very smoothly and peacefully into passive prayer while others struggle. It may be difficult to let go of familiar ways of praying, ways that have nourished us spiritually for years. Though the letting go may be difficult, it may also be God's invitation for us.

The story of the elderly woman reciting the rosary on her porch paints a picture of passive prayer. It is one way of praying, one way of praying passively. Perhaps God is inviting you to pray this way. If so, may this prayer lead you to a deeper intimacy with God.

(Dominican Sister Mary C. Daniel is director of postulants and novices for her congregation. She also does spiritual direction and preaches parish missions, retreats and days of prayer.)