O Lord Jesus,
Your words to your Father
were born out of your silence.Lead me into this silence,
so that my words may be spoken in your name
and thus be fruitful.It is so hard to be silent,
silent with my mouth,
but even more,
silent with my heart.
There is so much talking going on within me.If I were simply to rest at your feet
and realize that I belong to you
and you alone,
I would easily stop arguing
with all the real and
imaginary people around me.I know that in the silence of my heart
you will speak to me
and show me your love.Give me, O Lord, that silence.
Let me be patient
and grow slowly into this silence
in which I can be with you.
Amen.— Henri Nouwen, Spiritual Direction