April 1, 2026

37 Minutes of Sacred Silence

(Audio Divina)

Beloved Friends,

Today we gently lengthen our silence to 37 minutes.

I invite you to explore the practice of Audio Divina (sacred listening) as the focus for your silent prayer.

Audio Divina is an invitation to shift your focus from seeking God's Presence in what you are seeing to what you are hearing. As you listen, may you have ears to hear any whispers from the still small voice of God. Feel free to journal some of your reflections as you listen if you feel so moved. However, remember to keep it simple. Don't overthink - this is a spiritual practice of the heart, not the head. Simply be still and know that God is with you. Understanding comes slowly (if at all!). Be patient and trust in the slow work of God.

Here is today's Audio Divina suggestion for your 37 minutes of silence...

Be encouraged in your gently growing practice of silent prayer as you tune out the noise around you and tune in to God's Presence. Remember that you are part of a broad and beloved community of faithful folks who are also nurturing the gifts of simplicity and stillness this Lenten season. Let us lift one another in prayer as we journey together into the sacred silence...

Your Companion in Silence,

Sharon

Sharon Seyfarth Garner

Director, Belly of the Whale Ministries

216-224-7452

sharon@bellyofthewhaleministries.net

www.bellyofthewhaleministries.net

Audio Clip Credit: The Nuns of the Abbey of St. Hildegard in Rudesheim, Germany singing the daily matins prayers. I recorded this while siting in the sanctuary - listening and praying - in June 2016.