Spiritual Formation: Solitude

Spiritual Formation: Solitude - Pastor Hannah Witte - a2vc.org. Like us on fb.com/vineyardannarboror watch our livestream Sundays @ 11:00am - vimeo.com/annarborvineyard 

Summary:

Spiritual Formation series, Pastor Hannah Witte reflects on the practice of solitude. Drawing from Mark 6:30–31, where Jesus invites his disciples to step away from the swirl of activity and find rest, Hannah reminds us that Jesus values not our productivity but the condition of our souls. Solitude, she explains, is a spiritual discipline that slows us down, helping us step away from busyness, noise, and distraction so we can encounter God’s loving presence.

 

Hannah names the ways our modern lives often mirror the disciples’ exhaustion—filled with endless to-dos, notifications, and demands that leave us weary and disconnected. Without intentional rhythms of rest, we risk grounding our worth in activity and missing the closeness with God we were made for. Through solitude, we learn to be present: not doing or producing, but simply being with God, who restores and sustains us.

 

As she closes, Pastor Hannah offers a practical invitation: try five minutes of solitude each day this week. Whether it’s in the morning before work, at your lunch break, or in the evening, create space to sit with God without hurry. In that quiet place, you may discover what Jesus offered his disciples long ago—that our deepest rest and renewal come not from what we accomplish, but from God’s unwavering presence and care.