FORMAT FOR THE SESSION

  1. Begin with the prayer specific for each session
  2. Watch the TED talk video
  3. Watch the reflection video by Fr. John
  4. Watch the Leonard Cohen Video – Going Home
  5. Watch the Fr. Martin Video
  6. Pray over the scripture passage
  7. Review Personal Reflection Questions

If you have any questions please e-mail Fr. John at [email protected]

SESSION #4 – The Art of Stillness

Opening Prayer – Prayer for Stillness

I weave a silence onto my lips.
I weave a silence into my mind.
I weave a silence within my heart.

I close my ears to distractions.
I close my eyes to attractions.
I close my head to temptations.

Calm me, O Lord,
as you stilled the storm.
Still me, O Lord.
Keep me from harm.
Let all tumult within me cease.
Enfold me, Lord, in your peace.

Amen.

– Prayer from the Celtic Tradition

PICO IYER TED TALK

The place that travel writer Pico Iyer would most like to go? Nowhere. In a counterintuitive and lyrical meditation, Iyer takes a look at the incredible insight that comes with taking time for stillness. In our world of constant movement and distraction, he teases out strategies we all can use to take back a few minutes out of every day, or a few days out of every season. It’s the talk for anyone who feels overwhelmed by the demands for our world.
PICO IYER TED TALK TRANSCRIPT

FR. JOHN VIDEO REFLECTION

Psalm 46 – Be Still and Know that I am God

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Come, behold the works of the Lord;
see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.

‘Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.’
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.

PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS

(1) What places have inspired, strengthened or brought us peace?

(2) What are the things you wish you could do if you had all the free time needed?

(3) Where do you go when you travel nowhere for peace and stillness?

(4) Why may we be fearful of silence?  

(5) What helps you find a place and time for silence, reflection & prayer?