Silent Prayer

[JChapel]

While I greatly prefer to pray in a silent, secluded, location very formally with just myself and God, I’m unfortunately not always afforded that luxury. To be more specific, there are times when I’m in very public settings, and while I’m not ashamed of my faith, praying out loud would rouse unnecessary controversy. What should I do in these situations? Wait until I get home? Sneak out to a more secluded location, if possible? Is there an accepted way to pray silently?

 

[AlanFromWichita]

I agree it is not good to pray out loud in presence of others who do not share or at least accept your prayers.

Waiting to get home and sneaking to secluded location is good. (I’m not going to ask whether the “sneaking” would be sinful.)

As far as a way to pray silently, I’m glad you asked. I have much to say about silent prayer, as it has been of tremendous value in helping let God heal me of affliction.

For now I will leave you with a reference to the Catechism: usccb.org/catechism/text/pt4sect1chpt3.shtml#art1

Later I will plan to check back with this thread when I have more time to elaborate.

Alan

 

[Bookcat]

One can “pray always” as Jesus and Paul speak about…and anywhere…

One can pray silently…“interior prayer” anywhere…

such as brief prayers often called “ejaculatory prayers” or “Aspirations” …that is short prayers prayed vocally or interiorly …from the name of Jesus…to a verse from the psalms.

As to if to pray in a visible way…one must make the prudent judgment. Sometimes one does…sometimes ones does not (but yes your right…we should never being ashamed etc…)

 

[Aleksa]

Have you ever heard of a finger rosary? Google it if not. I’ve been thinking about getting one so that I can pray discreetly in public. I have Panic Disorder so I spend a lot of my out-and-about time praying silently to help myself cope.

 

[tbcrawford]

I make the sign of the cross each and every morning to begin my day and at the end of each day.I pray (silently) throughout my day.When I am driving, running my bath,cooking when I am upset, when I am happy.I always pray when I can & usually thats always.Even when I am in the cinema I remember to pray.You can easily get into this habit with a bit of practice.

We were taught to pray without ceasing. Praying without ceasing is a biblical term found in the Apostle Paul’s first letter to Thessalonica: “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, KJV). The Greek word “without ceasing” means continuous action. Therefore, “praying without ceasing” means to pray continuously.

How does one pray continually? We cannot always be on our knees. With the daily demands on our busy lives, we are fortunate to kneel in prayer even a few minutes each day. However, the context of this passage gives us a clue. This passage focuses on heart attitude. “Rejoice always” is an attitude of joyfulness. Giving thanks in everything also requires a mental attitude of thankfulness. How do we rejoice and give thanks? Through prayer! Therefore, effective prayer is a proper heart attitude: a mental outlook of joyful thanksgiving. It expresses itself throughout the day with silent prayers of vital communication with the Lord.

If we are praying without ceasing – even while driving, changing the baby, washing dishes, or running a lawn mower – we can be open to the leading of the Spirit when He urges us to pray for something or someone. At that time, we can agree with God and make a mental note to add that concern to our later prayer time.

Hope this helps God bless

 

[GloriousOrder]

Who says your prayer in the world must be recited vocally? Vocal prayer is good, but it is the lowest level of prayer. God intends us all to mystically contemplate Him by the minute. This cannot be done unless we are in the state of mental prayer! You need not utter a faithful ejaculation every time you pass by a Catholic church or see an ambulance. The best way to achieve union with our Lord is to improve your inner prayer life by quiet works of charity, and by praying inwardly with every action.

Say the Lord’s Prayer as you do something difficult: both to implore His Aid, and to help yourself concentrate. Pray “God, come to my aid; Lord, make haste to help me” when you are about to give in to lust. Even at times when there is no danger or hard act to be performed, you still have to give God central time in your soul. His Spirit is great indeed, and it fills us constantly (He being infinite)!

How can you expect to reach perfection without the mystical transforming union in yourself?