Practising the Way.

Solitude.

Making Space for God in a Distracted World

Distraction is one of the greatest threats to spiritual health in the modern world.

We feel it every day. The constant hum of notifications, the endless to-do lists, the pressure to always be available. Our minds are scattered, our souls restless. But Jesus offers us another way—an invitation to step away, to be alone with Him, to find rest in His presence.

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

Solitude isn’t about escaping life; it’s about re-centering our lives on what truly matters. It’s about creating space to hear God’s voice, to realign our hearts with His, and to be transformed from the inside out. Jesus modeled this rhythm—regularly retreating to quiet places, not to avoid people, but to love them better.

Why Practice Solitude?

  • To be with Jesus – Before we can do for God, we must first be with Him. Solitude allows us to deepen our relationship with Christ without distraction.

  • To silence the noise – The world is loud. Solitude teaches us to quiet our minds and listen to the still, small voice of God.

  • To renew our souls – We can’t pour out to others when we are spiritually empty. Solitude fills us with the peace, wisdom, and love we need to serve well.

  • To embrace the way of Jesus – He consistently withdrew to pray, to rest, and to seek the Father. If we want to follow Him, we must do the same.

How to Step into Solitude

  1. Create intentional space – Schedule moments in your day to unplug and be alone with God.

  2. Start small – Even a few minutes of silence and prayer can reshape your day.

  3. Leave distractions behind – Turn off your phone, step outside, or find a quiet room to be fully present.

  4. Listen more than you speak – Solitude is not just about talking to God but also about listening to Him.

  5. Make it a habit – Like any spiritual discipline, solitude grows stronger with practice.

Recommended Reading.

  • Invitation to Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God’s Transforming Presence by Ruth Haley Barton

  • Beholding by Strahan Coleman

  • The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

CV Teaching series.

A printed version is available to buy here

Other Resources on Spiritual Formation.

There is a library of other tools and guides for spiritual formation here