The Spiritual Practice: Solitude
Solitude is not about being totally alone…it is about being alone with the Lord. Allowing His presence to surround you and fill you in a way that strengthens you, building hope and increasing your faith in unexpected and wonderful ways.
~ Pastor Carri Johnson
My experience…
My Jesus walked many times to quiet and alone places.
He craved solitude with the Father and was
strengthened and he increased in wisdom and knowledge.
The practice of solitude in my life is something
I did not truly appreciate until I had a course in Spiritual Leadership
at Wesley Seminary with Dr. Lenny Luchetti.
Dr. Luchetti took my class to The Abbey of
Gethsemani in Kentucky.
They were monks who had taken vows of silence.
They were limited to speaking at certain times and
encouraged to pray, and seek solitude with the Lord.
They sang in the celebration of hours in the chapel.
Beautiful renditions of the Psalms and Scripture.
I was able to embrace the solitude and silence.
I learned various practices from Dr. Luchetti that
led me into deeper places in the Lord both in
love and in spiritual growth. I was able to hear from
God in a way that was unexpected and wonderful.
Solitude is needful. It is a way to grow closer to God.
Solitude is peaceful, confronting, joyful, and sad.
Solitude opened my eyes and heart to
weaknesses in my spirit, emotions, and
relationships with others.
I was able to seek healing from the Lord.
I was able to listen for His directions.
I was able to make the sad places joyful.
I was able to ‘walk with Him and talk with Him’
in a way that was simply…beautiful.