Eugene Peterson, Earth and Altar

Solitude in prayer is not privacy.  The differences between privacy and solitude are profound. Privacy is our attempt to insulate the self from interference, solitude leaves the company of others for a time in order to listen to them more deeply, be aware of them, serve them.  Privacy is getting away from others so that I don't have to be bothered with them; solitude is getting away form the crowd so that I can be instructed by the still, small voice of God, who is enthroned on the praises of the multitudes.  Private prayers are selfish and thin; prayer in solitude enrolls in a multivoiced, century-layered community: with angels and archangels in all the company of heaven we sing, "holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty."

I wish for you, some moments of solitude this week.  May we all be nurtured and blessed by God's presence so we might re-emerge ready to stand in relationship with God and with each other.