Written By
Brooklyn Cox
Communications Student
Communications Student
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Approved by the local outreach ministry coordinator on April 30, 2024.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
Today, it can be difficult to find moments of silence and solitude, especially within the life of a college student. Oftentimes, when we do find a moment, we choose to fill it with Netflix, friends, music or our own thoughts. Take a moment to ponder the question, What could my life look like if I created a consistent rhythm of silence and solitude?
So, what is silence and solitude? Author John Mark Comer says it is alone time with God as the only input, who has direct access to your soul.1 While it may sound daunting or lonely at first, it is a spiritual practice crucial to sustaining our limited selves.
Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth! — Psalm 46:10, ESV
As we’ve discussed the purpose of spiritual formation and how we can be formed further into the image of Christ, the spiritual practice of silence and solitude presents an opportunity to do so. In a culture marked by hustle, multi-tasking and constant noise, silence and solitude is a gift to commune with the Lord and instead be marked by his rest, peace and love. In fact, author John Ortberg says that love and hurry are fundamentally incompatible.2 When we take a moment to slow down and fix our eyes on Jesus, we can become better vessels of his love.
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. — Matthew 6:6, ESV
While I’m sure most people would agree time in silence and solitude sounds fulfilling, it may not sound realistic. I want to encourage you to accept God’s invitation to the secret place. However long or short, however distracted and imperfect, find moments to rest in the presence of the Lord and watch how it begins to form you. Here are some practical implications to begin making silence and solitude a consistent rhythm in your life:
Theologian Robert Mulholland says the spiritual practice of silence and solitude is a radical reversal of our cultural tendencies. Silence is the act of letting go and relinquishing our control to God.3
If you have a desire to learn more about the spiritual practice of silence and solitude, consider adding a Spiritual Formation and Discipleship minor to your degree or attending GCU’s Spiritual Formation workshops. Fill out the form on this page to learn more.
It is important to note that we do not engage in this spiritual practice merely for our own benefits or because it sounds appealing, but because Scripture is filled with it. Practicing silence and solitude is practicing the way of Jesus, as he consistently sought out places of solidarity. Therefore, it should be a regular spiritual practice for us as well. Here are a few examples we see in Scripture:
Time and time again, we read of Jesus stepping away from the noise of the world and into a quiet, solitary place to be with the Father in prayer.
