But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:6

Devotion

When I was asked to write on solitude, I found myself wondering, “What is the official definition of solitude?” Google defines solitude as “the state or situation of being alone, a lonely or uninhabited place.” With this negative connotation attached to the word, why does God ask us to find solitude in a biblical way?

When I began to examine the biblical concept of solitude, I found that the Bible refers to solitude as a practice of withdrawing from the distractions and demands of daily life to spend intentional, focused time alone with God in prayer. In opposition to what Google says, this definition does not simply mean being alone. It means biblical solitude allows us to reflect on and renew our spiritual walk with Christ daily through prayer and studying Scripture.

From my observation, we do not live in a culture where solitude is encouraged, both worldly and spiritually. Who wants to sit in silence and listen to their thoughts or empty their mind? Who has time to slow down in the business of life to reflect and look inward? Who wants to tell their friends they need to set time aside to work on their devotional or prayer life? Quite a few years ago, I struggled with these same questions and wanted to find the biblical ways to practice solitude, so I went to Scripture.

Matthew 6:6 teaches us one practical way to implement biblical solitude is to “go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Jesus taught us the importance of solitude through his own actions of going away to pray. In Mark 1:35, he left the house for a solitary place to pray. In Matthew 14:23 and Luke 6:12, Jesus went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.

These Scriptures, among others, serve as my personal compass and source of encouragement, guiding me to continue in my practice of biblical solitude even in a culture that doesn't fully appreciate or comprehend its value. I don’t pretend to have all this figured out, but I pray this over myself daily and encourage you to find ways to practice solitude in your own life.

PRAYER

Dear God, help me to find moments of solitude where I can retreat from the demands of the world and rest in your presence. May my moments of solitude be filled with your peace, and may they become sacred times where I can hear your voice clearly. Let me not be afraid of being alone, but rather embrace it as an opportunity to deepen my relationship with you. In my solitude, may I find the space to reflect on your Word, to seek your guidance, and to be renewed by your Spirit. Teach me to listen intently, to be patient in your presence, and to trust that in these quiet moments, you are working in my heart. Thank You, Lord, for the gift of solitude, where I can meet with you, be refreshed, and be reminded of your unfailing love. May these times draw me closer to you and strengthen my faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ashley Williams
Data Analyst - Finance 

Resources

• Listen to Holy Forever by Crossings Sanctuary Worship.
• Listen to Amen by Crossings Sanctuary Worship.
• Listen to Only Worthy One by Crossings Sanctuary Worship. 

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