SILENCE AND SOLITUDE

3 Oct

The Explanation

“Without solitude, it is impossible to have a spiritual life.”

— Henri Nouwen

There are many ways we can pray; however, one that is often missing in our hurried and fast-paced lives is the practice of silence and solitude. The inspiration and examples of this are seen in the rhythms/habits that Jesus practised.

Mark 1:35 (NIV) - “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.”

Again we read…

Luke 6:12 (NIV) - “One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.”

This example shows Jesus praying the night before making the important decision of choosing those from his followers, who are called apostles.

Reflect on the following words from Psalm 46:10 (NIV) - He says, “Be still, and know that I am God…”

The Practice

Chose the place and time you wish to pray
Remove all distractions (any technology)
Breathe slowly and become aware of your body
Sit in silence, being still before God (try 5-10 minutes to begin with)
Simply be in God’s presence, not asking but only enjoying who God is
Notice God’s presence all around you and in you
Acknowledge your thinking and your feelings, but don’t try to fix any issues; just be in God’s presence
Towards the end of the time you have set, ask God to speak to you by His Holy Spirit

From this time of silence and solitude, you can begin praying about anything you notice during these moments of stillness before God.