In a culture that values speed, productivity, and constant connection, the practice of Solitude calls us to something radically different: slowing down, stepping away, and being alone with God. Solitude is not merely silence or isolation; it’s a sacred time where we invite God to work within us. Jesus modeled this beautifully, regularly retreating to quiet places to be alone with His Father. Through Solitude, we cultivate a space for rest, reflection, and communion, allowing us to hear God’s voice amid the noise.

Below are a few resources on the practice of Silence and Solitude. These are often best explored, and even implemented, in the context of community. We can’t encourage you enough to find a group to journey with as you pursue life with Jesus.

Group Experiences

To start or join a group or to receive the sermon-based questions for the Silence and Solitude series, email [email protected]. (You can subscribe to Sermon-based questions for all our series).

The Solitude Practice

The Solitude Practice from Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer - A free 4-week journey to help you explore and implement the practice of Solitude. For additional info on how to use Practicing the Way material, visit the Practicing the Way website.

Podcasts

Solitude 02: The Quiet Place with John Ortberg – The “quiet place” was an intentional space Jesus entered to be alone with God and himself. As apprentices of Jesus, we desperately need to set aside time for this too.

Jesus and the Lonely Place - Silence and Solitude – Through Scriptures, John Mark Comer shows how Jesus incorporated solitude into his routine and why this practice is often considered the most essential of them all.

Solitude: featuring Tyler Staton – explores the importance of solitude, of slowing down to God’s pace, and giving us hope in the waiting.

Books

An Invitation to Solitude and Silence – Ruth Hailey Barton teaches us how waiting on God in the silent places of the soul is an active waiting that contains a seed of expectancy and hope.

Out of Solitude – Henry Nouwen shows us the ways of solitude, quietness, tranquility, and finding God (and yourself) in a world that has long ago decided to lower its head and charge into an unknown future, without map or guide.

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry – John Mark Comer presents a compelling emotional and spiritual case against hurry in favour of a slower, simpler way of life that emulates Jesus.

As you begin to explore Solitude, know that this practice is a journey, not a destination. In the quiet and stillness, God meets us, transforming us from within and grounding us in His love and purpose. While solitude may feel challenging at first, it has the power to shape us into people of peace and wisdom, deeply rooted in Christ.