I am headed out on Monday to three days of silence. It is a rhythm I work to put into my life every year now. Henri Nouwen helps explain why:
“Somewhere we know that without silence words lose their meaning, that without listening speaking no longer heals, that without distance closeness cannot cure.”
Apprentice 2 Jesus 
His heart was so intune with Christ’s. If you have never read his essay “Praying with a Clinched Fist” I have posted it on my blog and even ave a pdf for download. Here is the link:
http://www.darianburns.com/2013/09/06/praying-clinched-fist-2/