Revival, Renewal, and Hearing God in the Silence

THE QUEST FOR SILENCE

For Shaneen Clarke, what began as a sense of total relief and awareness of peacefulness at the escape of a chaotic and noise-filled London business meeting was the birthing of something almost forgotten: the art of silence and with it, a power connection to God. In her book, The Lord of the Silence, she describes silence and stillness as an “invitation, not an obligation,” to enter “new depths and greater revelations,” with God and oneself. She says, “The purpose for writing the book is to identify and reveal how we have lost the art of rest and the quality of life that comes from being silent and understanding the power of peace” found in silence.   

THE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF SILENCE

According to Shaneen, silence has had a profound effect in modern-day history, 
including holding a special place in the United Kingdom’s history of winning the offensive against the Nazi’s bombing of London during WWII. What is known as The Silent Minute, the 60-second silent prayer, was advocated by Major Wellesley Tudor Pole when he “Perceived the inner request from a high spiritual source that there be a Silent Minute of Prayer for Freedom.” The silent minute was adopted by Winston Churchill, had the blessing of King George VI, and was broadcast on the BBC nightly at 9:00 p.m. as a means for the country to come together, intercede heaven for the protection of the UK and its citizens, and ultimately bring peace to the nations.

TODAY'S "QUICK FIX" CULTURE`

Shaneen states that in a world that is addicted to instantaneous gratification, which she describes as the “quick fix virus,” (partially about Amazon’s rise of being able to deliver items to our door the very same day if available!) we have lost the ability to wait, which in turn has affected our desire to form authentic relationships with ourselves, people, and most importantly, God.
Having equated this “quick-fix” virus with the rise of social media, Shaneen proposes that the voices being livestreamed through Twitter, Instagram feeds, television sound bites, and our penchant for escapism through Netflix, overconsumption, and busyness have created an internal virus that can only be cured through the art of spending time in God’s presence. She says, “The dehydration of hurry robs you from being replenished by His presence.” The prescription: spending more time with the Lord.

HOW TO CONNECT SILENCE TO GOD

The key to connecting with God and incorporating silence into your daily walk with God is “making it a lifestyle choice, rather than a chore.” While writing, The Lord of the Silence, Shaneen had 6 weeks of what one can call “forced” silence due to a bout with laryngitis. In these six weeks of giving her voice box a rest, she learned that “you don’t need your voice to communicate.” She recalled experiencing God more intimately as He revealed to her “pictures, ideas, and a revelation of the power of oneness” with God, citing John 15:5 as an example.
 
Some suggestions she offers to connect with God to get into a place of silence are:

· Turn off electronics so that you have no distractions; no text messages to answer or temptations to check your phone.

· Choose a comfortable spot in your home, work area, or even a spot in nature where you can experience stillness.

· Don’t have an agenda; be real with God and yourself! Seems simple but Shaneen says a relationship with God is not about religion, but a relationship. Recite David’s prayer found in the Psalm 139:23 if you find your thoughts anxious, “Search me God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”

· Have a notepad ready and listen to any Scripture verses God gives to you, ideas, or Bible verses that pop up in your mind. Meditate on these.

ABOUT SHANEEN CLARKE

Shaneen was born in London and is from a Hindu Punjabi background. At 14, she became suicidal and overdosed on pills due to her parents arranging a marriage for her. About that time, one of Shaneen’s uncles asked her father if she could attend an Elim Christian Camp Conference. She gave her heart to Jesus at this meeting and prayed that the pending arranged marriage would be broken, and it was! She went on to evangelize in her neighborhood, which led to her family getting saved. Shaneen also joined a local church where her pastor gave her the book Daughter of Destiny, about American evangelist Kathryn Kuhlman. This book inspired her to pray for a heaven-sent anointing on her life. Her parents then allowed her to hold weekly prayer meetings at their house, where many young people found Christ as their personal Savior. News spread at her church about the meetings and adults wanted to attend too. Her passion to serve the Lord grew. Her parents encouraged her to marry a deacon of the church when she was seventeen. The marriage turned abusive, yet Shaneen stayed in the marriage for almost ten years and had two children. After her marriage ended, she took a break from ministry and went into business and modeling, however, her call to ministry never left. About seven years later, she returned to ministry. She married again, this time to an English businessman, Martin, who had been radically converted to Christianity. 

SHE LEADS AMERICA/UK 

Last year, Shaneen had the incredible privilege of being honored at “She Leads UK” as a Woman of Distinction at Windsor Castle — an unforgettable moment that reminded her of the power of faith-filled leadership.

This year, she was humbled again to contribute by leading a panel on how to communicate effectively with Generation Z. Joined by Harris Faulkner, Fox News presenter, along with many other women of distinction. they explored how leaders can bridge the generational gap with authenticity, clarity, faith, and culture.
On Monday, 2nd June 2025, Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Edinburgh attended a special Afternoon Tea at Windsor, where 15 exceptional Christian women leaders from across the UK were celebrated. These women, through their dedication and calling, have impacted countless lives — strengthening families, helping organizations flourish, and inspiring communities to thrive.

The event was hosted by She Leads UK in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), shining a spotlight on Christian women in leadership across the nation.
 

To learn more about Shaneen Clarke click the LINK!

CREDITS

Author, The Lord of the Silence (Peoples Publishing Limited, 2020). Founder, Shaneen Clarke Ministries and A Woman’s Call Ministries. Holds entrepreneurial seminars for Christians and non-Christians. Was honored at the prestigious She Leads UK event at Windsor Castle in June 2024, featured as one of the Christian Women of Distinction. Sits on the advisory board of She Leads UK; International motivational speaker and Corporate Life Coach, trained at Roehampton University; married to Martin; two children.