March practice
Silence and Solitude
Withdraw to be with the Father. Do nothing. Do not try to make anything happen. Let God restore your soul.
“Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16). Silence and solitude are not escapes from responsibility. They are how we return to God so we can love people better.
How to practice
- Choose a quiet place A room, a trail, a parked car, a church pew. Unplug. Tell the people who need to know you will be unavailable for a set time.
- Begin by doing nothing Sit. Walk slowly. Breathe. Resist the urge to fill the time with podcasts, email, or even a heavy study agenda. Be still and know.
- Start short, go longer sometimes Daily: 10-20 minutes of quiet with God. Occasionally: a longer stretch (an hour, a half day, a retreat) so your body and mind can truly settle.
- Receive whatever rises Boredom, emotion, distraction, or peace may surface. Bring it to Jesus without managing it. You are training to live conscious of God, not to manufacture a feeling.
Cautions
- Do not confuse zoning out on a screen with solitude.
- If extended silence stirs deep distress you cannot carry alone, talk with a pastor or counselor.
- Return to ordinary life on purpose. The fruit shows up in patience, presence, and love for others.
Short practical guide drawn from themes in Bill Gaultiere / Soul Shepherding. See Solitude and Silence and Suggestions for Solitude with Jesus.