Baseline practice: A daily time in silence to begin and end each day.

Solitude is the experience of being “alone together” with God. In solitude, we escape from the noise and bustle of our external and internal worlds, fashioning a “wilderness” where we meet with God. It is a place of quiet and stillness, but not isolation. The Lord is waiting for us there, with love to show and words to speak.

Solitude

The Three Encounters of Solitude

01 | Encounter with our self

In solitude, we are confronted with the internal chaos that arises from our wounds, vulnerabilities, and sin. It exposes what is really inside us.

02 | Encounter with our enemy

In solitude, we meet our spiritual opposition, the devil. We are confronted with the messages, strategies and temptations of a personal nemesis who seeks to separate us from God.

03 | Encounter with our God

In solitude, we are still and silent enough that we can encounter the immense mystery of God and learn to recognize his loving voice.

  • • What locations at home or in nature can become places of solitude for you? 

    • What distractions will you need to minimize in order to experience real solitude?

    • What aids might support your encounter with God? Lighting a candle? White noise in the background? 

    • How can Scripture and prayer be powerful complementary practices in solitude?

  • Experience

    The Solitude Practice  (a four session learning and practice experience from Practicing the Way)

    Spiritual Location Exercise (a tool to give some structure to your solitude)

    Sample retreat guide

    Retreat center recommendations near Indianapolis

    Read

    Invitation to Solitude and Silence, by Ruth Haley Barton

    The Way of the Heart, by Henri Nouwen

    The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, by John Mark Comer

    The Power of Silence: Against the Dictatorship of Noise, by Robert Cardinal Sarah

    Listen

    A Community of Peace in a Culture of Outrage and Fear (Bridgetown Church)

    An Introduction to the Solitude Practice (Rule of Life Podcast) | iOS | Spotify

  • When you want to try other rhythms beyond the baseline invitation:

    • Combine the practices of solitude, prayer, and Scripture in a Daily Office rhythm

    • Practice a digital Sabbath

    • Practice silence as “fewness and fullness” of your own words

    • Go on a spiritual (or even silent) retreat, like Soma’s Day Sabbatical