The Use of Silence

This was an address given by the Revd S D Rogerson (Kilchoman with Portnahaven) to the Presbytery of South Argyll in April 1982.

After reviewing biblical references, the nature of silence is explored. Internal silence may need to be enabled by the removal of external silence. Silence within public prayer enables the congregation the better to enter into the prayer. There is temptation to keep talking in a pastoral situation, which must be resisted. A call for a period of silence may assist a difficult business meeting. We should not be afraid of silence or embarrassed by it.