This week, Megan taught us that silence and solitude is essential to a thriving spiritual life. Our culture places such little value on this practice that it can be one of the harder ones to make space for. However, when we obediently place ourselves before God we are able to experience the forming power of becoming like Christ.

Let's get started.

SHARE

Have you ever practiced silence and solitude ?

• If so, what did it entail and what was your impression of it?

Do you currently have margin in your life for silence and solitude?

• If not, share with your DNA what daily rhythms look like right now?

Do you desire to be alone with God?

• If not, why do you think that is?

• If so, what is going on in your circumstances that awaken you to that need?

READ

Jesus went away often to meet with Jesus in silence and solitude. Here are a few verses that give insight to practical habits of His.

1. “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35)

2. “Once again Jesus went out beside the lake.” (Mark 2:13)

3. “Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake...” (Mark 3:7)

4. “Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.” (Luke 6:12-13. See also Mark 3:13)

• What do you notice most about these verses?

• Find 2-3 more instances in Scripture where we are given practical insight in Jesus' habits with this practice.

MAKE ROOM

Come up with a plan in your DNA to make room for silence and solitude.

1) IDENTIFY. What are some obstacles that seem to be in conflict with this practice?

2) CONFRONT. Is there a part of you that resists this practice? Or feels guilty to engage?

3) REARRANGE. What parts of your daily or weekly routine can you rearrange to make space?

4) RECONNECT. Choose a time or a rhythm to practice silence and solitude.

5) RESPOND. Have your DNA keep you accountable to making space for this practice.