PRAYER TIME
Let us pray: A journey of faith and purpose
Discover the power of prayer, connect with your divine purpose, and find a community ready to support you. Whether you are new to prayer or seeking deeper communion, this space is for you.
WHAT DOES CARMEL TEACH ABOUT PRAYER?
Our Lord taught St. Teresa a simple method of prayer. It is often called mental prayer. “I never knew what it was to get satisfaction and comfort out of prayer,” confesses the Saint, “until the Lord taught me this method – I beg of you to test it.”
The method is this: we know God is everywhere, but He dwells in the human heart in a special manner. Close your eyes, then and look at Him, present there within you. This look is already a prayer. This simple gaze gives glory to God. The whole problem, Saint Teresa teaches us, comes from our not really grasping the fact that He is within us: “How is it, Lord, that we do not look at Thy face when it is so near us?”
“Look at Him; keep Him company; talk with Him. Do not be foolish – speak with Him as a Father, a Brother, sometimes in one way sometimes in another.”
This manner of praying brings with it a thousand blessings. “Before long,” says Teresa, “you will see how you gain.” There will be a gradual mastery over oneself. The soul will be stronger for the fight. “You will be laying a good foundation so that if the Lord desires to raise you to achieve great things He will find your ready because you will be close to Him.”
“Gently recall your mind when it wanders… unceasingly gather up again your scattered spirit. Turn your inward eye once more towards Him… persevere with an unconquered heart.”
Faith in God's Silence
This is where our journey begins. Get to know our business and what we do, and how we're committed to quality and great service. Join us as we grow and succeed together. We're glad you're here to be a part of our story.
Trusting God in silence is a profound aspect of the Christian faith, emphasizing reliance on God's sovereignty and timing, even when He seems silent. This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture and has been a source of strength and comfort for believers throughout history. Trusting God in silence involves patience, faith, and a deep understanding of God's character and promises.
"Rest in God alone, O my soul, for my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will not be shaken." This passage highlights the importance of waiting quietly for God, trusting in His protection and deliverance. Psalm 62:5-6
"For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said: 'By repentance and rest you would be saved; your strength would lie in quiet confidence—but you were not willing'." Here, the prophet Isaiah underscores the strength found in quiet confidence and trust in God, contrasting it with the people's unwillingness to rely on Him. Isaiah 30:15
"The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD." This passage encourages believers to wait patiently and silently for God's salvation, affirming His goodness to those who seek Him. Lamentations 3:25-26
Trusting God in silence is not passive resignation but an active expression of faith. It involves:
· Acknowledging God's Sovereignty: Recognizing that God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9) and that His timing is perfect, even when it is beyond our understanding.
· Developing Patience: Patience is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is essential in trusting God during silent periods. It requires believers to endure and remain steadfast, knowing that God is working all things for good (Romans 8:28).
· Cultivating a Deep Relationship with God: Silence can be an invitation to deepen one's relationship with God through prayer, meditation, and Scripture study. It is a time to listen for His still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12).
Historical and Practical Examples
Throughout history, many biblical figures exemplified trusting God in silence:
· Abraham: He waited in faith for the promise of a son, trusting God's word despite years of silence (Genesis 15:1-6).
· Job: In his suffering, Job experienced God's silence but ultimately declared his trust in God's wisdom and justice (Job 13:15).
· Mary, the Mother of Jesus: She pondered the angel's message in her heart, trusting God's plan without immediate understanding (Luke 2:19).
In practical terms, trusting God in silence can be nurtured through:
· Prayer and Meditation: Engaging in regular prayer and meditation on God's Word helps believers focus on His promises and character.
· Community Support: Fellowship with other believers provides encouragement and accountability during times of waiting.
· Journaling: Writing down prayers, thoughts, and reflections can help process emotions and recognize God's faithfulness over time.
What is prayer?
Prayer is a profound conversation with God, a sacred dialogue that connects us to the divine. It's a moment of reflection, gratitude, and supplication, where we open our hearts and minds to His presence. Through prayer, we seek guidance, express our hopes, and find solace in His unwavering love. It is a fundamental path to understanding God's given purpose for your life.
To understand prayer according to St. Teresa of Avila, consider these key points:
- Prayer is a personal relationship with God, fostering intimacy and love.
- It involves both vocal and mental prayer, engaging the heart and mind.
- St. Teresa emphasizes the importance of silence and contemplation in prayer.
- She advocates for perseverance in prayer, even when it feels dry or challenging.
- Prayer is a means of transformation, leading to spiritual growth and deeper faith.
- It should be approached with humility and trust in God's presence and guidance.
SIMPLE STEPS FOR PRAYER
ACCORDING TO ST. HERESE OF AVILA, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
Are you struggling to find God's given purpose for your life? Prayer can illuminate your path, revealing the unique mission He has set for you. Through quiet contemplation and fervent supplication, you can discern His will and embrace the journey He has planned. Let prayer guide you to clarity and fulfillment.
Perhaps you find prayer difficult in this season and you’re not sure how to begin or reconnect with the Creator.
If you’ve been struggling with prayer, start with this advice from Saint Teresa of Avila:
- Pay attention // Saint Teresa warns against mindless prayer. She insists that attention on the Beloved is necessary for productive prayer. Teresa definitely understands the distractions we endure as humans and speaks to those as well, but she encourages us to always bring our minds back to the Lord. How can we draw our attention to Him again and again today?
- Treat Him with intimacy // Saint Teresa emphasized true intimacy with Jesus in prayer. She spoke to Him as a dearest friend, a spouse, and shared that level of commitment and communion with Him. She spoke with Him about everything, knowing that He cares about the smallest details of our lives. How can we bring everything to Jesus, even what we deem silly or inconsequential?
- Be authentic // To this end, Saint Teresa was always authentic with Our Lord. She held nothing back. Part of the reason she was able to reach such heights of mysticism was because she was willing to be vulnerable and allow the Lord into every part of her heart. She was honest with Him and faithful to Him no matter the cost. How can we be more honest in prayer?
Saint Teresa gives us a wonderful guide to deeper intimacy with God in prayer. It starts small and simple. Let’s choose one of the tips above to focus on and watch how the Holy Spirit moves!
Share your prayer needs
What's your prayer need? We believe in the power of communal prayer. If you are facing challenges, seeking comfort, or need spiritual guidance, please reach out. Message us with your needs for prayer, and our community will uplift you in spirit. You are not alone on this journey.
CONTACT US TO PRAY FOR YOU
We are called to flourish our faith in God's silence
SILENCE IS NOT REJECTION
When you call upon God and there is no immediate reply, the enemy whispers, “Maybe God doesn’t care.” But that’s a lie. God’s silence never means rejection; it often means preparation.
Think of Lazarus in John 11. Jesus heard that His friend was sick, yet He stayed where He was for two more days. To Mary and Martha, that delay felt like silence — but Jesus knew what He was doing. His timing would reveal a greater glory.
“When He heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was.” John 11:6 (NKJV)
When you are in your own “two more days,” remember that silence might be the soil where your miracle is being formed. What feels like delay may actually be one of the hidden signs God is working behind the scenes in your life.
God’s Silence Builds Spiritual Maturity
Silence stretches your faith. It teaches you to trust who God is, not just what He does.
During waiting seasons, your relationship with God grows roots. You learn to stand on His Word even when you don’t feel His presence. It’s in the silence that faith becomes sightless — when you love Him simply because He is worthy, not because He is speaking.
Job experienced this too. He cried out, seeking answers, but heaven was quiet. Yet he declared:
“Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” Job 13:15
That’s mature faith — faith that says, “Even in the silence, I will still believe.” This growth often happens during the seasons God uses to strengthen you before lifting you.
Silence Is a Call to Listen Differently
Sometimes, God is not silent — He’s just speaking in a way you’re not used to hearing.
We often expect a voice, a sign, or a miracle. But God can speak through Scripture, through people, through peace, or even through closed doors. His silence might actually be His gentle way of saying, “Be still and know that I am God.”
“After the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” 1 Kings 19:12
Elijah looked for God in dramatic signs — but God came in a whisper.
Maybe the silence you’re experiencing is an invitation to quiet your surroundings and tune your heart to His still small voice.
Silence Is God’s Strategy for Timing
God’s timing is perfect, but it’s rarely predictable. What you see as delay, God sees as divine coordination. What you are experiencing may be connected to the process God uses to align everything before your breakthrough.
In Luke 1, Zechariah and Elizabeth prayed for a child for years, yet heaven seemed closed. But when God finally moved, it was at the exact moment that their son — John the Baptist — would prepare the way for Jesus.
“But the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard.’” Luke 1:13
Notice the angel didn’t say, “Your prayer is being heard.” He said, “Your prayer has been heard.” That means every prayer you prayed in faith is already before God. He’s just waiting for the right moment to manifest it.
Silence Is Where Character Is Formed
When God is silent, He’s not just shaping your circumstances — He’s shaping you. He’s forming patience in you. He’s teaching you endurance. He’s preparing your heart for the promise.
If God gave you everything instantly, your faith would never grow. But in the quiet seasons, He molds your attitude, purifies your motives, and strengthens your spirit to carry what’s coming.
David knew this process well. Anointed as king, yet hunted for years, he learned to wait on the Lord.
“I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry.” Psalm 40:1
When you wait on God, He doesn’t just change your situation — He changes you.
What to Do When God Seems Silent
Here are a few spiritual habits to help you stay strong when heaven feels quiet:
a. Keep praying anyway
Prayer is not wasted energy. Every word you whisper in faith is stored in God’s remembrance (Revelation 5:8). Keep speaking to Him, even if all you feel is emptiness.
b. Stay rooted in the Word
When you can’t hear God, read God. His written Word becomes the voice that sustains you.
c. Worship through the silence
Worship confuses the enemy. When you praise God in silence, you declare that your faith is not based on circumstances but on the covenant.
d. Surround yourself with believers
Sometimes, when you can’t feel God, you can borrow faith from others. Fellowship keeps your spirit alive.
Remember: Silence Leads to Revelation
Every season of silence eventually births a word.
● For Abraham, it led to a covenant.
● For Joseph, it led to a throne.
● For Jesus, it led to resurrection.
If God seems quiet, it might be because He’s preparing to speak louder than ever — through your testimony.
“For the vision is yet for an appointed time; though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” Habakkuk 2:3
Trust that the same God who spoke before will speak again. Silence doesn’t mean He’s done — it means He’s deepening your story.
When God seems silent, you are not abandoned — you are being prepared. Silence is not the end; it’s the sacred pause before divine movement. You may not understand it now, but one day, you’ll look back and realize: God was speaking even in the quiet.
So, keep believing. Keep worshipping. Keep waiting. He may be silent, but He is not still. As you continue to wait, you may begin to recognize clear signs that God is preparing you for something greater. Your answer is on the way — in His time, and in His way.
Prayer Time--Let us pray for you
Join our Prayer Support Group
We invite you to become a part of our prayer support group, a community dedicated to intercessory prayer and mutual encouragement. Together, we can strengthen our faith, support one another through life's trials, and celebrate God's blessings. Whether you are new to prayer or seeking deeper connection, all are welcome. Come and grow with us in faith and fellowship.
Carmelite Prayers and Reflections
Explore specific Carmelite prayers, reflections, and stories that inspire and deepen your spiritual life. The Carmelite tradition emphasizes contemplative prayer, a path to profound union with God. Here, you will find resources to guide you in this beautiful spiritual journey.
The Memorare
"Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never has it been known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen."
A reflection on inner silence
In the Carmelite tradition, inner silence is not merely an absence of noise, but a space within the soul where God can speak. It is in this profound stillness that we can truly hear His voice, discern His will, and experience His loving presence. Cultivating inner silence is a journey of patient surrender, allowing divine grace to transform us from within.