The Value of Intentional Solitude

The life of our Lord Jesus Christ was one lived among people. He surrounded Himself with the twelve disciples, walking with them, teaching them, and ministering alongside them. Yet even in the fullness of His public ministry, Jesus intentionally sought solitude.

In Luke 22:40-41, as Jesus prepared to face the cross, we find Him withdrawing to pray, setting an example of intentional time alone with the Father:

“And when He came to the place, He said to them, ‘Pray that you may not enter into temptation.’ And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed.”

Christ’s earthly ministry began in solitude, as the Spirit led Him into the wilderness for forty days (Luke 4:1-2). Now, as His ministry approaches its climax at the cross, He once again seeks the presence of the Father alone.

It’s worth noting that isolation, in and of itself, is dangerous. God designed us for community, and prolonged separation from others can harm the soul. However, moments of deliberate solitude—short and purposeful—are not only healthy but vital to spiritual growth.

Spiritual solitude is the discipline of withdrawing from the noise of the world and the demands of social interaction to commune with God through prayer, worship, and reflection. It is in these moments of quietness that we recalibrate our hearts, renew our minds, and deepen our relationship with the Lord.

For many, the thought of being alone with God can feel intimidating or even uncomfortable. In our hyper-connected world, it often means setting aside distractions—yes, even your cell phone! But this practice, though challenging, reaps eternal rewards.

Consider the remarkable example of Susanna Wesley, the mother of John and Charles Wesley, two towering figures in church history. With nineteen children in her household, solitude seemed almost impossible! Yet Susanna made it a priority. The children learned that when mom pulled her apron over her head, it was her signal that she was praying and meeting with God. They learned not to interrupt her unless it was an emergency. The fruit of her prayers was evident in her sons:

• John Wesley preached to nearly a million people during his lifetime, igniting a movement that changed the spiritual landscape of England and beyond.

• Charles Wesley wrote over 9,000 hymns, many of which are still sung today, reminding believers of God’s majesty and grace.

If Susanna Wesley could find solitude amidst the chaos of her daily life, surely we can, too! 

Intentional solitude is not an escape; it is an embrace—the embrace of the Father’s presence. Make time for it, and you will find your soul refreshed and your faith renewed.

My name is Zach Terry. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this blog are my own, with occasional interjections from my bride of nearly 25 years, Julie. This format of publication is meant to allow for engagement and interaction. Feel free to comment. But please, be nice.