Silence And Solitude
Silence and solitude are intentional times away from noise and distractions to seek God and grow spiritually. Practiced together, they help us hear from God, renew our faith, and gain spiritual perspective.
Author
John Austin Roberson
Pastoral Resident
Faith
Silence And Solitude
Silence and solitude are intentional times away from noise and distractions to seek God and grow spiritually. Practiced together, they help us hear from God, renew our faith, and gain spiritual perspective.
John Austin Roberson
Pastoral Resident
What is silence/solitude?
- The discipline of silence is the voluntary and temporary abstention from speaking so that spiritual goals might be sought.
- Silence can take place externally as one does so to read, write, pray, etc.
- Silence can also take place internally so that one can hear more clearly from the Lord.
- The discipline of solitude is the voluntary and temporary withdrawal to privacy for spiritual purposes.
- Solitude may take place for a few minutes, a few hours, etc.
- Though silence and solitude are not the same thing, the two disciplines are usually found together.
- Silence and solitude complement the discipline of fellowship.
- “We recognize, then, that only as we are within the fellowship can we be alone, and only he that is alone can live in fellowship.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Why is silence/solitude important?
- Scripture tells us that Jesus would get away from the crowds to practice silence and solitude.
- Matthew 14:23
- Mark 1:35
- Luke 4:42
- To hear from God better.
- To express worship to God.
- To express faith in God.
- To be physically and spiritually restored.
- To gain/regain a spiritual perspective.
- To seek the will of God.
- To learn control of the tongue.
- To place more of a dependence on God.
How do we practice silence/solitude for our own spiritual growth?
- Though it is not a “one size fits all” kind of deal when practicing other spiritual disciplines, so it is true with silence/solitude.
- Here are some practical ways you can practice silence/solitude
- A “Few Seconds” retreat.
- This only takes a few seconds.
- This utilizes small periods of time throughout the day.
- In this, one should look to Christ and listen to His Spirit.
- A goal of daily silence and solitude.
- Requires sacrifice and daily commitment.
- As people may like to go on walks or runs daily, one can commit to a daily time of silence and solitude.
- Getting away for silence and solitude.
- Going to a quiet and empty room for an afternoon, evening, etc.
- Bring a Bible and a notebook to write down your thoughts.
- Bring a Christian book that you believe will help you with your walk with Christ.
- Prepare a schedule but feel free to change plans.
- Special places.
- Find these places close to you that you have easy access to.
- A “Few Seconds” retreat.
What is one thing you can do to improve your time in silence/solitude?
