A Litany on Silence for Lent

Silence is a vast and rich concept.  It has many negative connotations.  But it is also very fertile, fruitful and life giving.  In the following litany, please pause and consider each statement before you respond.
                

A Litany towards understanding and befriending SILENCE:

Response:  Help me understand this, Lord.

Silence is not nothing…
Silence is not a void…
Silence is not absence…
Silence is more than not speaking…
Silence is not failing to communicate…
Silence is more than not making noise…
Silence is scary…
Silence is not negative…

 
Response: Help me appreciate this, Lord!

Silence strengthens…
Silence soothes…
Silence can separate…
Silence can stabilize…
Silence can unite…
Silence awakens me to reality…
Silence can be exterior…
Silence can be interior…
Silence is like a savory stew…
Silent can be sweet…
Silence can be sour…
Silence can be spicy…
Silence can be salty…
Silence can be bitter-sweet…
Silence is full of paradoxes…
Silence sings…

Let us pray:  Lord Jesus, life seems to get busier and busier so there are very few moments of silence.  I hardly know what it is.  I seem to experience little silence and when I do it is not always a welcome gift. I also confess that I often stay busy to avoid facing the confusing urges and voices and feelings in my life.  Why is this?   Help me want to want to appreciate silence.  Help me accept the discipline of silence.  Help me want to exercise myself in all that is positive in silence. Let me do this by deliberately choosing times of silence whether in nature, in my car or in the adoration chapel.  Jesus, I trust you!  Help me want to want to grow in silent listening.  Amen.