silence and solitude

“Jesus went out in the desert alone.”

Lord, where did you go? We couldn’t find you.”

Before every major decision, Jesus spent time alone and prayed. Why?

Silence and solitude are related spiritual disciplines that have rich history. Spending time alone and quiet is a refreshment for your very soul. I asked one of our sons why he thought Jesus was so fond of being alone and he said, “To get away from all the sin for awhile.”

We don’t have that advantage as we bring sin with us, but that is a keen observation. Like soldiers in the time of war pausing to play a football game, it is good to get away. But with silence and solitude, we may get away from all the busyness of business, the ups and downs of our daily lives, but we actually are more “bothered” by someone else. God.

During times of being alone and quiet, God has a chance to really get our attention. In the Orthodox Church tradition before the gospel is read the priest commands the congregation with a simple word,

“Attend!”

This is what silence and solitude can do for us. Cause a pause.