One of my favorite books is “Abide In Christ” by Andrew Murray. He speaks in chapter 18 of a stillness of the soul. I could not think of a better way to start this help on practicing silence and solitude than to share an excerpt from his book:

“Beloved Christian, as often as you seek to understand better the blessed mystery of abiding in Christ, let this be your first thought (Ps.62:5.): “My soul, only be silent unto God; for my expectation is from Him.”

Do you in very deed hope to realize the wondrous union with the Heavenly Vine? Know that flesh and blood cannot reveal it unto you, but only the Father in heaven. “Cease from thine own wisdom.” You have but to bow in the confession of your own ignorance and impotence; the Father will delight to give you the teaching of the Holy Spirit. If but your ear be open, and your thoughts brought into subjection, and your heart prepared in silence to wait upon God, and to hear what He speaks, He will reveal to you His secrets.

And one of the first secrets will be the deeper insight into the truth, that as you sink low before Him in nothingness and helplessness, in a silence and a stillness of soul that seeks to catch the faintest whisper of His love, teachings will come to you which you had never heard before for the rush and noise of your own thoughts and efforts. You shall learn how your great work is to
listen, and hear, and believe what He promises; to watch and wait and see what He does; and then, in faith, and worship, and obedience, to yield yourself to His working who works in you mightily.”

Practicing Silence and Solitude as a Christian

Practicing silence and solitude as a Christian is less about simply “being alone” and more about intentionally creating space to meet with God without distraction.

1. Silence and Solitude Defined

Silence is choosing to step away from noise, conversation, and even your own rapid thoughts, so your heart can be attentive to God’s voice. (Quiet)

Solitude is deliberately separating yourself from people and activity—not as escape, but as an intentional encounter with God. (Alone)

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God…” Elijah heard God in the whisper, “a gentle whisper… When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face” (1 Kings 19:12–13). In the quiet and still places, we are able to truly be open and honest with God and listen for His voice.

In Scripture, this practice is modeled by Jesus Himself, who often withdrew to quiet places to rest and pray. If Jesus needed this silence and solitude alone with God, how much more do we need it?

2. Jesus Our Example

Jesus’ habit of withdrawing to pray wasn’t random—it was central to how He lived, ministered, and stayed aligned with His Father. He got alone with the Father often:

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16

“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.” Mark 1:35

“After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone.” Matthew 14:23

They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” Mark 14:23

A few things we can learn from Jesus:

• He was intentional with this practice. His life was busy. There was no shortage of people who needed healing, hope, and salvation. But, He knew that He needed time with His Father to be able to accomplish His will.

• He modeled dependence .Jesus, though fully God, chose to live in full dependence on the Father as an example for us. Jesus said: “I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me.” (John 8:28) By praying alone, He showed us that intimacy with God fuels everything else.

• He knew His source of wisdom and strength. Before major moments of decision or testing, Jesus prayed alone. Before choosing the 12 disciples, He prayed all night (Luke 6:12–13). In Gethsemane, before the cross, He withdrew to pray in deep anguish (Luke 22:41–44).

• He showed us that true rest is found in communion with God. Ministry drained Him physically and emotionally, so He withdrew to be renewed. The noise of crowds, demands, and expectations could easily distract, but in prayer, Jesus kept His focus on the mission. After feeding the 5,000, instead of soaking in the crowd’s applause, He went up the mountain to pray (Matthew 14:23).

3. Why Getting Quiet with God is so Important

• Recalibrates your heart away from hurry and toward God’s priorities.
• Opens space for God’s voice to be heard more clearly.
• Turns your ear to truth over the lies from the world.
• Strengthens intimacy with God, free from the need to perform.
• Refuels your soul for loving and serving others.

4. Tips to Practice Silence and Solitude

Start Small

• Begin with 5–10 minutes of quiet in the morning before your phone, coffee, or to-do list.
• Don’t have an agenda other than spending time with God.

Choose a Place

• A quiet room, porch, garden, or even your parked car during lunch.
• Take a walk in a less crowded park or down times in your neighborhood.

Be Still

• Let go of the urge to “accomplish” something—your aim is to simply be present with God.
• Consider closing your eyes, taking slow breaths, and praying, “Here I am, Lord.”

Use Scripture

• Read a short passage (e.g., Psalm 23, John 15), then sit in stillness, letting the truth sink in.
• Use the 7 Day Guide Below to help establish a pattern and focus.

Journal What You Notice

• After your time, jot down any impressions, verses, or prayers that arose.
• Use the journal prompts below to help cultivate a quiet heart.

Overcoming Challenges

• Distraction: Keep a notepad to jot down intrusive thoughts so you can return to stillness.
• Restlessness: This is normal—like physical exercise, spiritual stillness gets easier with practice.
• Guilt for “not doing”: Remember—being with God is doing something. You are loving Him with your time and attention.

7-Day Guide to Silence and Solitude with Prayers

This simple devotion will help you get started to practice the discipline of being quiet and focused on the Lord during times of silence and rest.

Day 1 – Simply Be Still

• Scripture: “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
• Practice: Sit quietly for 5 minutes. Breathe deeply and repeat, “You are God, I am Yours.”
• Prayer: Lord, quiet my restless thoughts. Teach me to be still in Your presence. I release my hurry, and I choose to simply be with You. Amen.
• Reflection Prompt: What thoughts or distractions fight for my attention?

Day 2 – Jesus’ Pattern

• Scripture: “Very early in the morning… Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35)
• Practice: Find a quiet space in the morning. Spend 10 minutes in silence, then pray simply: “Father, I’m here to be with You.”
• Prayer: Father, like Jesus, I long to meet You in the quiet. Draw me close, refresh my spirit, and set my heart on Your ways. Amen.
• Reflection Prompt: How does starting with silence change the tone of my day?

Day 3 – Listening for the Whisper

• Scripture: “…after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face…” (1 Kings 19:12–13)
• Practice: Read the passage slowly. Spend 10 minutes listening without speaking. If your mind wanders, gently return to, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.”
• Prayer: Speak, Lord—I am listening. Help me to hear Your whisper above the noise of life. Give me ears to recognize Your voice and a heart willing to obey. Amen.
• Reflection Prompt: What did the Holy Spirit communicate to my heart during those quiet moments?

Day 4 – Resting in His Presence

• Scripture: “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him.” (Psalm 62:5)
• Practice: Sit in a comfortable spot. Rest your body and your mind. Imagine Jesus sitting next to You. Stay in silence 10–15 minutes.
• Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your presence that brings rest. I lay down my burdens at Your feet. Fill me with Your peace and renew my strength. Amen.
• Reflection Prompt: Where do I need God’s rest most in my life right now?

Day 5 – Abiding in Christ

• Scripture: “Remain in me, as I also remain in you.” (John 15:4)
• Practice: Read John 15:1–8 slowly. Sit in silence, picturing yourself as a branch connected to Jesus, the vine. Stay for 15 minutes.
• Prayer: Jesus, I choose to remain in You today. Keep me connected to Your love and life. May my heart be rooted in You, bearing fruit that honors You. Amen.
• Reflection Prompt: What keeps me from “remaining” in Jesus during daily life?

Day 6 – Waiting on the Lord

• Scripture: “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31)
• Practice: Spend 15–20 minutes waiting quietly before God. Don’t rush. Simply rest, breathe, and wait.
• Prayer: Lord, I wait for You. Teach me patience and trust in Your perfect timing. Renew my strength as I rest in You. Amen.
• Reflection Prompt: What areas of my life do I try to control instead of waiting on God?

Day 7 – Quiet Surrender

• Scripture: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15)
• Practice: End the week with 20 minutes of silence and solitude. End with a prayer of surrender: “Lord, I trust You with my whole life.”
• Prayer: Father, I surrender every part of my life into Your hands. In quietness I trust You. Strengthen me to walk in Your will, resting in Your love. Amen.
• Reflection Prompt: How has silence and solitude shifted my relationship with God this week?

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