Look around you - do you feel overwhelmed, overstimulated, overspent? During the 4th century, followers of Jesus, known as the Desert Fathers, sought a life marked by solitude in resistant response to the indulgent culture. While the word “solitude” often stirs up notions of loneliness or isolation, Jesus’ invitation to get away, to be silent, and to pray is to encounter God. Henri Nouwen writes, “Solitude is the furnace of transformation…the place of great struggle and great encounter.”

The beginning of Jesus’ ministry was marked by being baptized and being led into the wilderness. Look at Jesus’ life and ministry and you’ll notice a devoted practice of solitude to mark a remarkable ministry of healing, teaching, serving. Throughout his life,“…Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.” There was a spiritual pattern or rhythm where Jesus prayed, he healed, he prayed, he taught, he prayed, he surrendered. In spaces of prayerful solitude, Jesus himself surrendered to the will of his Father. Solitude is a faithful expression from you to God for a place to surrender your will and inquire of his.

Solitude is to cease human striving and to receive his voice. Here are 3 ways to practice solitude:

Get Away. Who and what do you need to get away from? What helps you to take a deep breath in a hurried world? Whether it’s being in nature, finding a quiet spot in your home, going on a sunrise or sunset walk - do what helps you get away with God.
Be Silent. What will help you be silent? Turn your phone off, delete an app, set limits on social media. Start quieting the loudest voices around you to listen to God’s whisper.
Pray. Every moment of Jesus’ time of solitude was spent in prayer and communion with his Father. To start, pray Psalm 139, inviting God to search you, to examine you, to guide you, to reveal yourself, to reveal more of him to you.

Author E.M. Bounds says, “God does not bestow his gifts on the casual or hasty comers and goers. Much with God alone is the secret of knowing him and of influence with him.” Engage God. In solitude, he will shape you.

3 Ways To Practice Solitude