Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney
Week 10: Chapter 9 — Silence and Solitude
Read Chapter 9 of Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. Key Scriptures: Psalm 46:10; Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16.
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In a culture that is addicted to noise, stimulation, and constant connectivity, Whitney's chapter on silence and solitude may be the most countercultural — and the most urgently needed — in the entire book.
Discussion Questions
8 questions1.Whitney distinguishes between *solitude* (being alone) and *silence* (being quiet) while noting that they are deeply connected and often practiced together. Why might a person need to be intentionally alone *and* intentionally quiet in order to truly encounter God? What does noise and company tend to drown out?
2.He notes that Jesus regularly withdrew from the crowds — even from His disciples — to be alone with the Father (Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16). If Jesus, in the fullness of His ministry, made solitude a consistent practice, what does that say to those of us who claim we are too busy or too needed by others to withdraw?
3.Whitney suggests that many people are frightened of silence and solitude because when the noise stops, what is actually in their hearts becomes audible. Have you experienced that? What tends to surface in you when you get genuinely quiet before God?
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