This week we looked at Disciplined and Exchanged Life Spirituality in which we learned about specific spiritual disciplines and how they enable us to become more like Christ and become liberated to do the will of the Father.  Two of the most challenging disciplines in this modern age might be Silence and Solitude.  Yet, Jesus made a regular practice of both during his earthly ministry in order to have communion with the Father. 

Silence is the discipline which not only involves a lack of audible noise, but inaudible noise as well.  This includes distractions like technology, idleness, and the busyness of our minds.  Silence requires the quieting of the mind, heart, and soul in order to hear the still, quiet voice of God.  In the same way, Solitude does not entail being alone.  The monastic movement encourages community and solitude.  Rather, solitude requires isolation from the world in order to have community with the Father.  What better place to do this than in the context of those who have the same purpose? 

• This week you are to spend time in solitude, and silence your heart and mind. 
  • Go to a park, a lake, a monastery, and plan to spend 2 hours there. 
  • Leave your phone in your car, bring a Bible and a journal, and spend time with God. 
  • You can do this with others if you choose, but minimize the distractions that might occur.  You will be busy enough silencing the distractions in your head, without having to worry about what others are doing.  During this time, choose a passage of scripture to reflect on. 
  • Matthew 5, the Beatitudes, is a good passage to meditate on for this purpose.  Allow the passage to speak to your heart and be silent to wait upon the Lord. 
  • After you are done, reflect on your experience.  How did you feel?  What did the Lord speak to you through his word? Was this difficult? Was this refreshing?  Be honest with yourself and confess your heart to the Lord.