food for thought. a friend gave me these on index cards when i was in college - possibly the busiest time of my life thus far. i keep these on a little ring with some other key scripture verses and carry them with me. read and do.

we need silence to be alone with God, to speak to him, to listen to him, to ponder his words deep in our hearts. we need to be alone with God in silence to be renewed and transformed. silence gives us a new outlook on life. in it we are filled with the energy of God himself that makes us do all things with joy.

silence of the eyes by seeking always the beauty and goodness of God everywhere and closing them to the faults of others and to all that is sinful and disturbing to the soul.

silence of the ears, by listening always to the voice of God and the cry of the poor and needy, and closing them to all the other voices that come from the evil one and from fallen human nature, e.g. gossip, tale-bearing, uncharitable words.

silence of the tongue, by praising God and speaking the life-giving Word of God that is Truth that enlightens and inspires, brings peace, hope and joy, and refraining from self-defence and every word that causes darkness, turmoil, pain and death.

silence of the mind by opening it to the Truth and knowledge of God in prayer and contemplation, like Mary who pondered the marvvels of the Lord in her heart, and closing it to all untruths, distractions, destructive thoughts like rash judgment, false suspicion of others, revengeful thoughts and desires.

silence of the heart, by loving God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength and one another as God loves, desiring God alone and avoiding all selfishness, hatred, envy, jealousy and greed.

a tall order.

take time to be silent . . . to be still . . . to listen for His voice . . .