“But when you pray, go into your room,

close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.” (Matthew 6:6)

Often considered to be one of the traditional spiritual disciplines, solitude can be defined as a state of being alone.

I personally like crowds, I always love to have other people around me. Is this because I lost my parents at a very early age or because I was brought up in the multi-million city of Chennai in South India? I don’t know, but as I have grown older and grown more mature (in all ways), I find I actually now enjoy being alone as it pushes me to find rest and peace from within. I no longer need to be surrounded by people constantly.

I wonder how Jesus handled solitude. We know that he took “time out” to go to solitary places (Luke 5:16).

I personally have started walking every day for one hour in nature and in God’s presence. I love this time the most. It is a time of rest and refreshment for my mind, body and soul.

Two of my favorite biblical examples of being still and being silent in solitude are Elijah (1Kings 19) and Jacob (Genesis 32:24-32).

Finally, my sisters and brothers in Christ, take time to be alone, not only as declared by the authorities because of the pandemic, but from the deep need to have solitude during the Lenten season.

Prayer
Dear Father, thank you for reminding us to seek your presence in quiet, solitary places. During the pandemic and this time of working from home, help us seek your way and lead us to be your ambassadors in Switzerland. In your holy name we pray. Amen.