Corporate silence is a gift that can enrich the life of a worshipping community. The rests in music are as important as the notes, and they must be counted and honored in the same way that sounds are made. In a similar fashion, silence deepens the experience of the words, music, and actions the liturgy.

In our busy and noise-filled world it is often very difficult for us be still and savor silence. When we are alone many of us turn on the radio or the television to fill up the space. Because we are so uneasy with silence in our daily lives, this may be an even greater reason that we should include it in worship. Silence teaches us that prayer is not only conversational, involving words, but is also a stance of openness and listening for the voice of God. When our worship is wall-to-wall words and music it does not give the worshiper the impression that in addition to the Word, God also comes in silence and stillness.

The gathering of the assembly before the liturgy is a natural time for silence and helps set the tone for worship. When the Prelude begins, it is an opportunity for the congregation to be silent, centering, prayerful and preparing for worship.

Silence is appropriate in several places during the liturgy. The Brief Order for Confession and Forgiveness includes a place for silence. Though it may seem long at first, this may be a place for up to a full minute of silence for the assembly listen to their hearts as they prepare to confess their sins and receive the grace of God’s forgiveness. At the Prayer of the Day, the presiding minister may leave about ten seconds between the “let us pray” and the actual prayer. This breathing space allows the worshiper to collect his or her thoughts before the prayer. Rather than moving directly from scripture reading to psalm and gospel acclamation, allow another ten or so seconds for the Word to sink in. This spaciousness will also allow the service to feel less hurried.

Two natural times for an extended minute or so of silence are the periods following the sermon and distribution of communion. Silence following the sermon provides a time for personal reflection before the organist begins the Hymn of the Day. After the distribution is complete the ministers may be seated for the assembly to savor the presence of Christ received in the eucharist and present in the community. Some congregations may choose to include a brief time of silence between the post-communion prayer and the Benediction.

It may seem like nothing is happening during the silence and that it is something that can be cut, yet it is in the silent, dark earth where seeds sprout. Surely God is present and at work in our moments of silence as well.

Source: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America www.elca.org