July 15 Insert Restoring Spiritual Disciplines - Solitude and Silence.pdf

Practicing Solitude and Silence July 15
What is the Discipline of the Silence and Solitude
Solitude is the practice of closing ourselves away from interaction with other human beings, so we will be more
available and sensitive to God. Silence is solitude’s essential complement and means quieting our own voices,
so we can hear the voice of God.
Scriptures on Silence and Solitude
“The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel!
Samuel!’ Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’”
I Samuel 3:10
“After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”
I Kings 19:12
“Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word
before God, for God is in heaven, and you upon earth; therefore let your words be few.”
Ecclesiastes 5:2
When the disciples returned from preaching and healing, Jesus instructed them, “Come away by yourselves to a
lonely place.” Mark 6:31
Following the healing of a leper Jesus “withdrew to the wilderness and prayed.”
Luke 5:16
Why do we practice Solitude and Silence
1. An expression of obedience to God (in the model of Jesus)
2. A sign of our trust in Christ.
3. Breaks the grip of people and culture.
4. Frees us to hear the call of God
Steps to Begin Practicing Solitude and Silence
1. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you.
2. Make a plan
a. Spend 15 minutes each day.
b. Spend a longer time on Sunday
c. Plan a silent day (retreat) annually
3. Forms of Silence – prayer, Scripture meditation, thinking and
planning before the Lord.

Practical Solitude and Silence Ideas
1. Find a “quiet place” (chair, room, portion of patio) in your home
2. Keep pen and paper handy for journaling
3. Enjoy “little solitudes” (early moments in bed, or late moments under the night sky before bed)
4. Be flexible, and enjoy the experience!
Questions for Reflection
What do you fear about solitude
What makes solitude and silence hard for you, during a typical day
How has God used silence to speak to you
Solitude Resources
Spirit of the Disciplines, Dallas Willard
Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster
The Seeking Heart, Francois Fenelon
-insert compiled with thoughts from Nelson Ould, Rick Hutton,
Tommy Thompson, Richard Foster and Dallas Willard.