He had thought that to pray was to talk; he learned that to pray is not only to keep silent, but to listen. And that is how it is: to pray is not to listen to oneself speak, but is to come to keep silent, and to continue keeping silent, to wait, until the person who prays hears God.

True prayer requires no word, no chant no gesture, no sound. It is communion, calm and still with our own godly Ground

if it is prayer at all, it must be accompanied by meditation.

Prayer means that, in some unique way, we believe we’re invited into a relationship with someone who hears us when we speak in silence.

I pray for the gift of silence, Of emptiness and solitude, Where everything I touch is turned into prayer:

The spiritual life must find its origin in silence.

Silence is pure and holy. It draws people together because only those who are comfortable with each other can sit without speaking.

"The silence is all there is. It is the alpha and the omega, it is God's brooding over the face of the waters; it is the blinded note of the ten thousand things, the whine of wings. You take a step in the right direction to pray to this silence, and even to address the prayer to "World." Distinctions blur. Quit your tents. Pray without ceasing."

Before the time of prayer comes, the servant must be in a state of preparation and his attitude must be that which is essential for prayer, namely a state of reflection and recollection, free from wandering thoughts and consideration or remembrance of anything save God alone. Those who enter in this way upon prayer with heart intent only upon God, will proceed from prayer to prayer in that same state of recollection and will remain in that state after they have ceased to pray.

52. The state of prayer can be aptly described as a habitual state of imperturbable calm. It snatches to the heights of intelligible reality the spirit which loves wisdom and which is truly spiritualized by the most intense love.

"the real "work" of prayer is to become silent and listen to the voice that says good things about me.

To gently push aside and silence the many voices that question my goodness and to trust that I will hear the voice of blessing — that demands real effort. "

For one who knows not God – Mighty and Glorious!- silence is imperative, and for one who knows God Most High silence is prescribed.

For a word to be spoken, there must be silence. Before, and after.

To maintain immaculate speech, often times silence is required.