Our faith is full of heroes who experienced God powerfully in solitude. From Hagar and the Hebrew prophets to Jesus in the wilderness to Francis of Assisi and Catherine of Siena, we see how escape from the toil and temptations of daily life can open our eyes, ears, minds, and hearts to the still, small voice of God. In the vast desert or a tiny room, solitudeâ€"frightening for some and a welcome reprieve for othersâ€"is far from an antisocial self-indulgence but rather is an opportunity for transformation and empowerment to serve God's people ever more deeply. While most of us can't take weeksâ€"or even a few daysâ€"for private retreat, Holy Solitude offers readers thoughtful inspiration and practical devotional activities such as taking a solitary bus ride or baking a loaf of bread for a neighbor. Daily reflections introduce readers to figures in both Scripture and Christian history whose stories of discernment and discipline are a guide for our own spiritual practices as we seek to know God more fully and follow Christ more faithfully.     Â

Solitude is a universal experience. For some people, its connotations of loneliness and isolation are terrifying prospects. Others seek it out, sensing solitude’s potential for bringing depth and creativity to their lives. Even those who embrace it willingly, however, discover at some point that solitude, like nature, has its changing seasons. Why write a book about solitude? One answer: God. Those who are God seekers often turn to solitude to listen to God, to be present to God, to be attentive to God’s word, wisdom and Spirit. Embraced purposefully, solitude enables us to cultivate another way of seeing and being, to be more open to discovery of and exploration into those unfathomable riches we call God.

Does the fast pace of life in the twenty-first century make it difficult for you to find even a few moments of peace? Do you long to set aside time to be alone with God? Do you wonder how to best spend time in silence and solitude once you have it? What do you anticipate will be the results of creating "quiet time" in your daily routine? In this Bible study guide, Jan Johnson covers the disciplines of silence and solitude. Going deeper in these areas will lead you toward a more interactive relationship with God. You will learn how to hear God's voice and allow him to shape not only your times of quiet but also the rest of your daily routine.