A time of silence is a lovely way to begin a service. It is a chance to still our hearts and minds, put some distance between the time we spend in worship and the business of our everyday lives and remember what we are here for
It is important to explain clearly what we are doing – otherwise it is an awkward silence.
A nice introduction to silence can be found in Evening Prayer. This can be put up on the projector.
That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful,
let us pray with one heart and mind.
Silence is kept.
As our evening prayer rises before you, O God,
so may your mercy come down upon us
to cleanse our hearts
and set us free to sing your praise
now and for ever.
Amen.