C.S. Lewis on Praying with Focus on the Spirit and the Importance of Silence

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thes 5:16-18

Greetings all and Happy Sunday,

One of our buddies Paul followed up my story of the Hallow CEO’s interview and how his “come (back) to Jesus” conversion moment began during a secular meditation time when he felt a presence that ultimately led him back to faith.

Paul shared the following video on the importance of silence in prayer (23 min). I’m a big fan of C.S. Lewis so take this advice seriously. I’m interested in your thoughts on this approach to prayer, which I agree leads to the most effective prayer. No doubt my best prayer is when I get quiet and focus only on my time in prayer as I did this morning on my dock - looking at the seagulls gliding as I went through my morning prayer.

But if we are to pray without ceasing as Paul encouraged (1 Thes 5:16-18), can this always be focused and non-distracted prayer? As I try to pray at various times and in various ways, there is no question that my prayer is not always focused prayer. But I think it is good to pray anyway - inviting God into my day, for example, during my drive in to work even if my mind is variously thinking out my day , then back to God.

What do you think? Does God still want us to pray even if our focus is less than perfect?

Peace be with you all and may all of our prayer lives be more often truly elevated to the Spiritual realm as we head into the Advent Season.

Blessings

Larry

P.S. I also also ran across an article as I was reflecting on the C.S. Lewis audio clip the importance of Silence.

Also, I also ran across this article on the importance of Silence

https://catholicgentleman.com/2024/11/silence/