Source of our Silence

I was in a meeting this past Saturday.  The leader of the group began an opening prayer with a moment of silence.  As we sank into the silence of the prayer, the room was filled with traffic noise from outside.  She began her prayer with the recognition that our silence doesn't come from the world around us.

What is the source of our silence? 

It is the habit of our church and of my Emmaus Community to sing as a congregation during Communion.  I have found that I can't compose a silent prayer at the altar rail because my mind can't ignore the world of the song long enough to pray.

I have also found that when I am in a group praying together, I can't pray very well -- string sentences together -- if there is a person in the group who comments during the prayer (Yes, Lord....etc). 

What is the source of our silence?

The world is not a place of silence.  It can be difficult to find quiet -- to quiet our minds and hearts to reach toward God, even when we are trying.  And when we are not trying-- when we are distracted and separated from God, then the silence is even more difficult to find.

What is the source of our silence?