In Conversation with God, Part II

St. Benedict knew and understood the importance of silence.  The other avenue that helps us become people of prayer is solitude.  Solitude provides the place where we can transform our lives if we are willing to put aside our old ideas of what self is supposed to be and learn to put on the heart and mind of Christ.  This type of transformation is difficult, hard work.  It is letting all the old images of self die – yes, die! – to provide space for Christ to live in and through the new self. 

It is opening the door to allow Christ in to work in our lives.  But this transformation – this openness – is not possible unless we are people of prayer:  people who desire, want and allow Christ in their lives.

Real prayer then is about transformation of our lives.  In silence and solitude we hear the Word and allow that Word to change us.  That Word will allow us to be the Word to each other.  In being that Word to each other we can and will change the world.