Spiritual Formation Exercises
Solitude & Silence Retreat

Exercise: Solitude & Silence Retreat

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Objective: Solitude and silence are about being alone with God—no phone, no noise, no to-do list—just you and Him. As taught in Practicing the Way and by John Mark Comer, this practice helps you slow down and let your soul catch up with your body. In the quiet, you begin to hear God’s voice more clearly and become more aware of what’s really going on inside you. It’s not about getting something done; it’s about being present with God, like Jesus often was, and letting that time shape you from the inside out.

How To Do This

  • Choose a quiet spot where you can be alone and undisturbed. Start with 10–30 minutes, and increase over time.

  • Turn off your phone, close your laptop, and set aside anything that might pull your attention away.

  • Sit or walk quietly. Relax your body and take a few deep breaths to settle your mind.

  • You don’t need to say anything or accomplish anything. Just be present. If your mind wanders, gently return to the quiet and to God.

  • When your time ends, thank God for His presence. You might read a short Psalm or pray a sentence like, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.”

Scripture: Luke 5:16, Mark 1:35, Matthew 14:23, Psalm 46:10, Lamentations 3:26–28

Origin: The origin of the Solitude & Silence practice comes directly from the life of Jesus and the traditions of early Christian spirituality. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus regularly withdrew to “lonely places” to be alone with the Father (Luke 5:16, Mark 1:35, Matthew 14:23). These moments of retreat were not escapes, but essential rhythms that fueled His life, ministry, and intimacy with God.