Holy Silence: A Practical Guide to Recollection in God

By Basil Nortz

Fr. Nortz masterfully builds upon the classic reflections of Sr. Marie-Aim e de J sus, a nineteenth-century spiritual mystic and Carmelite nun, on the twelve degrees of silence. By cultivating these types of silence, you will find out how you can -- even amid your busy days filled with chatter, commotion, and noise -- listen to the voice of God.
In these profound pages you will find ways to overcome your fear of silence and discover:

Keys to obeying God's will Kinds of silence that are holy and kinds that are unholyTen tips on what to do -- and what to avoid -- to bridle your sensesSeven ways to guard your imagination and foster recollectionHow to direct your emotions with reason and foster silence of the heartEffective ways of responding to injustice

You will learn the one sinful attitude that cuts us off from the merciful forgiveness of God and will acquire ways to stop passing judgment against others. Additionally, you will learn the most important attitude that disposes us to God's plans and allows us to enter into His love and converse with Him affectionately throughout the day. Moreover, you will find practical techniques for overcoming distractions in prayer and advice from the saints on methods of meditation to develop silence of the spirit.

Above all, you will glean how to maintain peace of soul and live free from anxiety and despair, regardless of temptations or life's battles. By relying totally on God, you will fearlessly rise after falls and begin again. You will begin to see the loving hand of God in all things, contemplate the light of His presence, and "be still" in the silence of His love.

"Holy silence is what helps the soul acquire the strength necessary to bear the presence of the all-pure God, who is ipsum esse subsistens (subsistent being itself)," explains Fr. Nortz. "The intensity of that fullness, far from inspiring languid inaction, produces a vibrant joyfulness that St. John expresses in the book of Revelation in terms of the saints singing with full voice."

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1644139103
• ISBN13: 9781644139103
• Release Date: June 2023
• Publisher: Sophia Institute Press
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

A must read for the 21st century Christian

This book is changing the game for me. If you need a next step in your walk with the Lord this book is up there with other contemplative prayer literature. The author goes into 12 (or 15 I can’t remember)?specific varieties of ‘silences’ that once can instantly delve into and put into practice. Some examples include “silence of speech”, “silence of internal dialogue”, “silence of will” “silence of union” etc. For this age this book I think could be exactly what the 21st century Christian needs to become more aware of the kinds of noise that is between us and our relationship with the Heavenly Father. A must read!