In these busy and stressful times, you may long for more silence and peace in your life. But rather than waiting for circumstances to change, you can take to heart the words of Father Gregory Fruehwirth: "The contemplative life and unceasing prayer is about being exactly where you are, aware of the presence of God and quickly and joyfully responsive to God's urgings." In the reflections that follow, this monk and poet will show you how to make substantive changes in your life.

Drawing from the most ancient Christian wisdom, Words for Silence guides you to create more stillness and solitude in your own life, right where you are.

"We are always in God's presence. Father Gregory is urging us to be more conscious of this and to be those who are still because we know that God is God."
–Desmond Tutu, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize

"When we let go of the obsessive search outside ourselves for something to make us happy, when we relax and move fully into the present moment, then we know, however inchoately, that we already possess all that we desire within ourselves. His risen Life is within us."

Underlying these reflections—which are organized according to the Christian liturgical year—is the basic assumption that God has drawn near to each one of us, and that our fulfillment is found in surrendering our lives to that presence and love.