The Discipline of Solitude
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Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed (Luke 5:16)
Dear Friends and Members of IBC,
This Summer, both in the IBC Central Bible Study (Thursdays at 19:30 via Zoom and in the IBC office) and in these ‘Word for the Weeks’, we are going through a short series on the spiritual disciplines. Last week, we looked at the discipline of meditation, in this final discipline, we will consider the discipline of solitude. (Note to reader: the weekly ‘Word for the Week’ will now take a short break as I will be on holiday starting from next week).
Solitude, and its cousin silence, are alien concepts in 2024. Most of us live in places where there is more or less constant noise, even if it’s just traffic. And if we live in the city, and want to practice solitude outside of our accommodation, we often have to make a real effort to find somewhere. But for most of the history of this planet, it didn’t use to be like this. Even 100 years ago, most people lived without cars, radio, telephone. No electrical hum. More people worked on farms and there was less industry. No internet.
A big obstacle to practicing solitude is that there are always little things to look at, to distract us. We can easily become addicted to some kind of noise or being around people. For example, when we are in the car, we have to turn on some music. Many of us have even become afraid of silence. So, practicing solitude today can take real effort. But it’s worth it. I find one of the main benefits of the discipline of solitude is that it allows me to practise the other disciplines. The goal of solitude isn’t to be alone for the sake of being alone, it is learning to wait upon God, giving this time to Him. In solitude we might practice the other disciplines such as meditation, fasting, and prayer.
Solitude also exposes idols. When we are silent and alone, we get to see what emotions and thoughts really come up. Although this might not be pleasant, we then get the chance to bring them before God, repenting if need be. We get to see where our treasure really is.
So, how might we start to practise this discipline? A good idea is to start by looking for little moments throughout the day when the opportunity naturally arises. When you get in the car, don’t turn on the radio. When you get up, don’t turn on the mobile phone. “But I use my phone as my alarm clock” I hear someone cry. Then buy a real alarm clock! Let’s not begin our days looking at our phones. Instead, we might step outside or practise sitting and being silent for a few minutes. See what thoughts come up and hand and them over to Jesus.
We can also start looking for places where there is the chance to be alone for a while. This is easier if we live outside the city, but it is also possible in the city. A church that is open for a specific time. A quiet spot in the park. Be on the lookout! A ‘secret’ place that I can share with you, is the prayer chapel in “the Michel” church in the centre of Hamburg. I have often gone in there, and although there are people outside, looking around it, sadly not many people ever go inside the chapel. I have rarely been disturbed when I am in there.
I encourage us to give this discipline a try. In solitude and silence, we may discover goals and a fresh direction. By practising a listening silence, we may find that avenues we never thought of before begin to emerge.
God bless you
James