Chapter 7 - Solitude and Silence (Disciplines of Abstinence)

Solitude and Silence are companion disciplines; silence gives depth to solitude, and solitude creates a place for silence. If solitude was important enough for Jesus to 1) prepare for His inaugural ministry (wilderness), 2) prepare to select His disciples (mountain), and 3) prepare to sacrifice His life for us (garden); how much more should it be important to us? Consider that each day has clustered opportunities for little moments of solitude. Silence is then what you do in solitude. This "verbal fast" helps develop inner control and composure, the less we will feel compelled to gain outward control over people and circumstances. Enjoy reviewing the 20 disciplines (pgs 82-86) and then digging into the deep dive of Solitude and Silence (pgs 86-89).