Lenten Reflections: Part V – Mary Jane Vigil, OSB continues….

A very ancient practice during Lent and one Benedict emphasizes is additional time and effort given over to prayer, especially quiet prayer of the heart.  A silent heart open to the Spirit renders us particularly ready to receive what God has to offer, to accept what is given to us in God’s word.  We must become poor and silent waiting for the word because the Word is waiting for us. 

Traditional Lenten practice is to cut out some common entertainments- TV, movies or whatever.  They are fillers, and in that empty space, we give the Spirit a chance to bond us with our God.  In addition to gathering four times a day for prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours and Mass, we have shared Lectio on the Gospel for each Sunday in our small living groups and occasionally share with the entire group.

How can I cultivate moments of silence this week, so that I might open myself to God’s spirit?