Stillness, Silence& Solitude
Simple spiritual disciplines that create space for God's presence and power. Discover how stillness can restore your soul in our busy world.
Practicing Stillness as a Spiritual Discipline
As Dallas Willard writes in The Spirit of the Disciplines, the spiritual disciplines are simple ways for us to connect with Christ because we need him. Our need for God's presence and power drives our pursuit of spiritual disciplines, not our ambition to be spiritual.
Intentional Practice
- Stillness is missing from modern life. We must make a point to practice it.
Alert Waiting
- Like bird-watching—quiet and still, yet alert for God's movement.
Soul Restoration
- Scripture promises that stillness refreshes and restores your spirit.
God's Presence
- Create space to experience God beyond words and activity.
What Scripture Says About Stillness
"He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul" (Psalm 23:2)
"In quietness and trust is your strength" (Isaiah 30:15)
"Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10)
"I have stilled and quieted my soul" (Psalm 131)
Remember: We are the temple. God is present in our innermost being—in and beyond body, in and beyond mind.
Different Goals of Stillness & Silence
Anthony Bloom, an Orthodox writer, describes the kind of stillness we should aim for: the stillness you adopt when bird-watching in the woods—quiet and still down to your fingers and breathing, but also alert. At any moment, that bird may light on a branch near you.
Be Still to Hear Yourself Think
Create mental space for concentrated thought and reflection away from life's noise and distractions.
Be Still to Hear God's Still Small Voice
Listen for God's gentle whisper that often comes in moments of quiet rather than in the storm.
Be Still to Listen to the Silence
God is in the silence. Silence is his first language. Our first experience of love is silence. God's presence does not require talking—on your part or his.
Be Still to Appreciate God
Rest in God's presence without agenda. Simply appreciate who he is and what he has done.
Be Still to Wait
There is the stillness of simple waiting. Waiting can be an expression of reverence for God. Because he is God and we are not, we wait for him.
Getting Started with Stillness
- • Find a quiet place where you won't be interrupted—even 5 minutes makes a difference.
- • Sit comfortably and allow your body to settle. Notice your breathing without trying to control it.
- • Don't fight thoughts when they come—simply acknowledge them and return to stillness.
- • Start with short periods and gradually extend as you become more comfortable with silence.
- • Remember that restlessness is normal. Stillness is a discipline that grows with practice.
"Stillness is meant to be practiced as a spiritual discipline. It counts for something! Non-urban life has stillness built in, but stillness is missing from most of our modern existence."
From our Prayer Guide
Explore More Prayer Practices
Stillness and silence prepare the heart for other forms of prayer. Discover how these practices can enhance your overall spiritual journey.
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