Week 4: Solitude

Monday: Watch

Answer These:

  1. When you hear “solitude” what thoughts and feelings come to mind? 
  2. What are some of the fears that influence the way you perceive solitude?

Pray This:

Father, thank you for the gift of solitude. Thank you that there are seasons of our lives that you use to slow us down and draw us to yourselves. Thank you that we can come to you in an unhurried way. I pray that we would continue to seek you in a persistent way and a way that helps us feel connected to you. Amen.

Tuesday: Read

There are many examples in scripture of practicing solitude.  During Jesus’ life on earth, he modeled the importance of spending time in solitude in order to connect to the Father. In doing so, he was preparing for what was to come. Spend some time reading and reflecting the following passage:

Read Matthew 3: 13-17 and Matthew 4:1

Answer These:

  1. When you think about spending 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness, what reactions do you have?
  2. In what ways have you seen The Lord use solitude to prepare you for something in your own life?

Pray This:

Father, thank you that you have provided us with scripture to influence the way we relate to you. Thank you for sending us Jesus to model connectedness to you. God, I pray that we would take the time this week to draw ourselves closer to you. Please provide times for us to connect through solitude. Amen.

Wednesday: Pray

You may be wondering where you should begin in making solitude a regular rhythm in your life. Matthew 6:6 says, “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” We are instructed to pray in solitude. Today’s practice is designed for you to do so.

  • Reread Matthew 6:6.
  • Reflect on the practical steps instructed in this verse.
  • Find a quiet place in your home, shut the door and pray.
  • Ask God to create a space for you to pray to connect with him in this time of Solitude.
  • Pray for whatever the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.

Answer These:

  1. How easy or difficult is it for you to find a quiet place to connect to God?
  2. What are some distractions that you need to eliminate from your life so that you are able to connect to God through solitude?

Pray This:

Father, thank you that we can come to you in prayer. Thank you that in the midst of busyness, you are our source of calm and peace. God, I pray that we would be mindful to meet with you. I pray that you would continue to provide opportunities to connect with you. God, help us be aware of the distractions that we place infront of us that keep us from time with you. Amen.

Thursday: Practice

The goal for today is designed for you to open yourself up and be mindful of God’s presence. Go somewhere that you are alone. Create a space for yourself that is free from all distractions. You are going to spend some time with just you and God. Are you alone? Good. Is your phone on silent? Awesome. Grab a journal or a piece of paper. We want you to be authentic with your thoughts and feelings. THis is just between you and God. He wants you to be honest with Him. 

Answer these questions:

  • What am I thankful for this week?
  • What have I struggled with this week?
  • In what ways have I seen God move in my life this week?
  • In what ways do I wish I had seen God move this week?
  • Right now, how am I feeling?

Answer These:

  1. How easy or difficult is it for you to be truly authentic with God?
  2. What keeps you from meeting with God regularly to tell him these things?

Pray This:

Father, you are quick to meet us where we are at. Thank you for never leaving us or forsaking us. Thank you for providing time for us to connect with you. Thank you for inviting us to share what’s going on in our lives. God, I pray that all that we experience is for our own good in bringing you glory. Amen.

Friday: Reflect

It is so easy for distractions to consume our minds. We are so quick to fill our calendars up with places to be and people to see. Still, God never leaves us and draws us into time with him. Spend some time listening to the song “You Know Me” by Steffany Gretzinger. Pay close attention to the words of the song.

Answer These:

  1. In what ways does this song speak into the importance of solitude?
  2. What ways does solitude help you better know God?

Pray This:

Father, you know us. You want to spend time with us. Thank you that you are greater than all calendar appointments and plans that we have made. Thank you that you are faithful to show up for us when we sit and wait to hear from you. God, I pray we would be mindful to make time to meet with you. Amen.