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Everyday life

An evening reading on silence

John Paul II on the pause between Scripture and vocal prayer.

View the accompanying artwork
Mary kneels in adoration before the newborn Jesus while angels rejoice above the stable and embrace people below.
The Mystical Nativity · Sandro Botticelli, 1500
National Gallery, London · Source · Public domain

Scripture excerpt

“In peace in the selfsame I will sleep, and I will rest:”

Scripture
Psalms · 4:9 (4:8 in many modern editions)Read the full passage

Silence in the Rosary

Apostolic letter excerpt

“Listening and meditation are nourished by silence.”

St. John Paul II
Rosarium Virginis Mariae · §31 · SilenceRead the full passage
Source context AI-assisted summary

Source summary · AI-assisted · not a quotation

Section 31 places silence after the announcement of a mystery and its Scripture passage, before the vocal prayers. This reading is offered for evening prayer; the letter does not present it as a treatment for sleeplessness.

For concerns about wellbeing

Health information excerpt

“If you have concerns about your mental health, talk to a primary care provider.”

National Institute of Mental Health
Caring for Your Mental Health · How can I find help?Read the full passage

Further readings

The angel Gabriel kneels before Mary in a garden, holding a lily as she turns from her reading; distant mountains rise beyond the trees.

Getting started

Beginning prayer with St. Teresa

Prayer and friendship in The Life and The Way of Perfection.

Reading from St. Teresa of ÁvilaAttributed excerpts · labeled source summaries
The young Jesus discusses scripture with a close circle of elderly teachers holding open books.

Daily prayer

When thoughts wander in prayer

Brother Lawrence’s Eighth Letter, alongside St. Teresa’s chapter on recollection.

Reading from Brother LawrenceAttributed excerpts · labeled source summaries