Learn to Be AloneSample

Name Your Intention

I wish I could say I accepted God’s invitation into a life of solitude immediately, but years would pass before I finally realized my need in this area. This is particularly embarrassing because I am a strong introvert. I’m in my sweet spot when engaging in deep work in my home office or on a trail in the wilderness alone. But being alone is not the same thing as practicing solitude.

For years, I fought back. The noise of this world constantly won my attention and drowned out the still, small voice of the Lord. Frankly, it was not until the last couple of years that I opened and truly unpacked the incredible gift of solitude.

These days, I’ve begun partaking in quarterly silent retreats, intentional getaways designed to detach from the noise of life and to center my heart in solitude with God.

On these retreats, I’ve discovered a newfound love, joy, and peace in the Lord. I have experienced moments of deep anguish and delightful celebration. I’ve had moments of discovery and asked questions in the middle of the unknown. I’ve enjoyed moments of refreshment and endured moments of boredom. All these moments combined have created some beautiful experiences with the Lord.

But it takes practice.

There’s no environment better to help you engage in this practice—in my opinion—than a prayer labyrinth.

The labyrinth dates to the Middle Ages. Think of a maze with a planned pathway to the “end.” Only, in this case, the end is the center. At the center, you find a series of items used to represent the presence of God. In the center of my labyrinth, there are three stumps (representing the Father, Son, and Spirit) and a bowl of smooth stones. I’ve used these stones over the years to write any words I’ve sensed the Lord has spoken to me. Most monasteries, abbeys, or even the grounds of many Catholic churches have labyrinths. Visitors use the labyrinth to be still before God. Over the course of the next couple of days, I want to teach you how to walk a prayer labyrinth as we explore the practice of solitude together.

As you begin the labyrinth, it’s important to name whatever you’re seeking. Perhaps you seek answers to a question, clarity for a difficult situation, a material desire, or healing of some sort. Pray and ask God to be with you as you begin this journey. Ask him to show up.

In other words, invite Jesus into the space of solitude with you.

Name your intention.