Spiritual Discipline: Solitude & Silence

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Mark 1:35

“Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’” Matthew 26:36

Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.” Matthew 4:1-2 (NKJV)

“Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” Luke 6:12

“When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place.” Matthew 14:13

Jesus modeled the importance of uninterrupted time alone with the Father. During the 24 hours we have each day, we are pulled in a hundred different directions by those persons and matters that need our attention: employer, spouse, children, ministry partners, household chores, phone calls, to-do lists, etc… Taking time to remove ourselves from all of these things and to settle ourselves down for one-on-one time with the Father is essential to living well amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. God’s Word is light for our path as well as nourishment for living. It is an enriching experience to carve out and prioritize time to be in His presence – a time of solitude where we do not come to Him with any agenda besides fellowship and intimacy. Time away, in silence, with Him. What a wonderful time that is.

A sweet prayer from Catholic Doors Ministry:

Jesus, teaching the value of solitude,

You reserved many moments to reflect.

You often departed for solitary places,

Withdrawing Yourself into the wilderness,

Or going up into a mountain to pray.

In loneliness, You spoke to the Father!

Teach me how to pray in seclusion,

To perceive the Father within myself.

Teach me to welcome solitary moments,

To enjoy the solitude within myself,

While listening to Your inspirations.

In solitude, Your mysteries are uncovered!