Practicing the spiritual discipline of silence in our noisy, fast-paced world can be a real challenge. But God desires that we know him personally, experience his love, and understand his plans for us. Therefore, creating intentional moments of stillness, like taking silent retreats, can help us make vital space to connect with him on a deeply intimate level. 

As an extrovert, I get energized by being around people. I make my living speaking to large groups and relish meeting new people. When I first announced to my family that I was going on a retreat of silence and solitude, my dear teenage son started taking bets on how long I’d last before I went out and found someone to talk to. He was wrong; I was able to maintain silence and solitude, and that first retreat had a profound effect on my life! For the first time, I truly broke away from the noise of the world, and God used that time to reveal himself to me in a way like never before. I discovered, even as an extrovert, that it is absolutely imperative that I make time to be totally alone with God to replenish my soul and deepen my relationship with my Father.

Away from distractions

On that first day of my first silent retreat, I sat on a bench beneath a towering tree and looked out over a valley below. Seeing God in the beauty and variety of the trees, plants, and flowers moved my heart to praise his creative genius. A soft breeze caressed my cheek, like the gentle touch of my beloved Savior. In that moment, I felt so loved, safe, and valued. I could hear the birds singing a chorus of praise to God’s glory and majesty.

Moments like these continue to bring me back to personal retreats of silence and solitude. Away from all the distractions of my phone, email, and household chores, I experience God’s presence more intimately. It draws me into passionate and profound worship. With my mouth closed and my mind focused on hearing God, my heart begins to understand the scope of his majesty and glory. My relationship with him, as my Abba Father, grows deeper, and my love for him intensifies (Romans 8:14-16).

Be still and know

Practicing the spiritual discipline of silence isn’t easy. We are inundated with technology, information, and constant demands for connection and attention. But God wants us not just to know about him; he wants us to know him—who he is, how much he loves us, and what his plans are for us. And he longs for us to have an intimate relationship with him! He lovingly calls to us, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). To do that, we need to intentionally make space for him, and one way to do that is by going on retreats of silence and solitude.

If you read Scripture closely, you will notice that while God sometimes speaks with a loud, booming voice (Matthew 17:5), he also speaks to us quietly and gently (Matthew 11:28-29). He sometimes whispers, like when he appeared to Elijah. God did not speak to him through a powerful wind, earthquake, or fire. Instead, he spoke to Elijah in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11-13). God is longing to speak to us, his beloved children, and we need to choose to be silent and listen. So, how could you experience a silent retreat? 

Creating a silent retreat 

Find a retreat center near you that offers opportunities for silence, solitude, and meditation. If you don’t have access to a retreat center, ask God to provide someplace where you can get away by yourself for 24 hours. Silent retreats work best if you can leave behind the distractions of chores and responsibilities at home. Look for a friend's cabin or cottage, a campground, or a hotel room. 

Set aside the time. Ideally, your silent retreat will be 24 hours or more. But if time is an issue, take a day or a half-day when you won’t be disturbed or distracted, so you can focus on what God is saying to you through his Word, the Holy Spirit, and creation. 

Take your Bible, and perhaps a journal or book to help you connect with God and hear what he says to you.

Be open to the Holy Spirit's guidance. Don’t go with an agenda or a plan. Once you get comfortable, listen, wait, and watch. I have often been surprised and deeply blessed by where the Spirit leads me. 

Be aware that you are in God’s presence. Give God any anxious thoughts or concerns that might block your enjoyment of him. Say to him, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” 

Write down any questions or thoughts you want to bring to God. Journaling may help you process what God reveals in your quiet conversations with him.

Spend time outside. As the weather permits, walk trails or in gardens, paying attention to what God is saying to you through creation (Romans 1:20).

Walk a prayer labyrinth. Many retreat centers have prayer labyrinths on the grounds. Start by confessing your sins and laying down any concerns, doubts, fears, or anxieties. At the center of the labyrinth, wait quietly for God to give you a word, idea, or blessing. As you leave the labyrinth, pause to receive the blessings God longs to give you: his grace, peace, hope, love, power, and joy. I often walk in a prayer labyrinth when I am at a crossroads in life and unsure which way to go. I wait in the center until I sense God’s leading.

Quieting your mind and voice

I sincerely pray you are encouraged to experience a silent retreat. Whether you carve out an afternoon or an overnight retreat, may you be refreshed in your silent prayers and the loving presence of God. As you quiet your mind and voice, away from the noise and distractions of everyday life, may you experience a deeper connection with God and renewed peace and purpose in your prayers. 

Jesus regularly incorporated silence and solitude into his own life. Check out “Silence & Solitude” from our sister program, Groundwork, to learn about these intricately connected disciplines for our spiritual lives.

Jolene DeHeer is an author, speaker, and spiritual mentor. She wrote the book Be Mine: Your Invitation to God’s Lavish Love, and she has been a popular Christian conference speaker for more than 40 years. For the past several years, Jolene has been focused on prayer ministry.