There are two dimensions to prayer: speech and silence. Of the two,
speech is necessary, but silence takes precedence. Silence is the
authentic medium of prayer, the rich matrix in which true communion
becomes possible. And being a medium, silence has a positive existence.
For the one who truly understands prayer, silence also conveys a message;
it too speaks... Silence prepares the soul for prayer, to hear the
pain of others, the pain of the world.