What is white space? It is empty space. (It can be any color.) And it is necessary. Think for a minute about a word: between each letter and then between words, there are spaces. There are spaces between lines on a page, and then when there is a larger space, it indicates a new paragraph or section. If this space was not there, all the letters, words, and sentences would run together, making it very difficult to read and gather meaning from the text.
In art and design, white space provides a contrast from color and patterns, giving us a place to rest. In our homes, too, we have white spaces. Think of a freshly decluttered shelf or kitchen counter, wiped down and free of stuff. Do you ever have to resist putting something on that counter, maybe some flowers or a pretty bowl, so it is less likely to become cluttered again with stuff that somehow comes into the house?
We need white space. We need it visually, physically, mentally, and spiritually. It is that space or time where we stop and ponder what is possible.
In prayer, this is the space where we meet God.
I often speak to people about the need for white space in prayer. White space in prayer is silence. Silence is so needed in this world, yet I have noticed that the idea of silence is unnerving to many. Some seem even threatened by it, this notion of allowing God to break into our constant stream of prayer requests. To stop the work of praying and simply being with God can be difficult.
White space in prayer is silence.
Quiet Your Mind
We are not wired to go, go, go at all times. Just as our bodies need to rest to work properly our minds and soul need to rest as well. What is the point of quieting your mind and soul? For me, it is to allow God the space to come in, be with me, and give me what he wants me to have. When people ask me why I meditate and practice mental prayer my answer is quick and sure, “it helps me be a better person.” Does it mean I think I am not a good person? No, and yes. I believe I, like you, are good. We are created out of love and by the grace of God and the gift of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us we are good. But let’s face it, the world can be heavy at times. Lives can be demanding due to sickness, finances, family, and the myriad of responsibilities that come with life in this world. While some of these stresses can be mitigated, some cannot. We have responsibilities that are sometimes more than we can bear on our own. And that can cause me to be not as good as I would like.
When I enter into quiet, into silence so deep that the line between awake and asleep is blurred, I receive great graces to go beyond what is humanly possible. To be clear, I am not saying I hear God speak to me or that I have a vision or even a word. Most of the time it is a sense of peace and comfort, knowing that God is with me in the difficulties. And when it seems as if I am being asked to do the impossible, I can do it.
Pray This Way Often
I find it fascinating when the practices of our faith line up with scientific research. Prayer is good for you for many reasons, including giving you a boost of serotonin, an endorphin that contributes to feelings of happiness and can reduce cortisol, aka the stress hormone. There are no negative side effects of prayer, there is no cost involved, and there is no special equipment to buy.
I have seen this over and over again in the lives of many people who meditate and pray with scripture regularly. Some changes people have described to me include being less reactive and having more patience, calmness in a crisis, peace when making difficult decisions, and greater receptivity to hearing and listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
It is helpful to think of this type of prayer as a process. It is very different than rote prayer or praying with others. It is a very personal encounter with God. Some days you may ask for the Holy Spirit to be with you in your prayer time, at other times Jesus, or the Father. Each person of the Trinity is with us always, but sometimes we want to sit in our Father’s lap and be held. We may need a heavy dose of wisdom or perseverance for difficult situations while other times we want to thank Jesus for our salvation. You go to the person you need.
Learning to be still takes time and effort. It is good to begin slowly, five or ten minutes at first, in a quiet place. Then, extend the time to 20 minutes. When you are comfortable with 20 minutes, move to 30 minutes, and then you may find the desire to stay with the Lord for an hour. Each day, spend time in quiet prayer and give your soul some time for white space. Each day, put a time of silence for prayer into your schedule. And stick to that time frame. If you have decided on 30 minutes, do it.
Will there be distractions?
Of course.
Will prayer seem long and boring at times?
Yes.
Will you think it is pointless when you do not hear God?
Probably.
Persevere in the prayer.
You will begin to sense and then to know the cumulative effects of spending time with God in sacred white space.
And you will be changed.
___________________________________
Image: Unsplash.
