Jesus taught us to pray in secret—in hidden and remote places—in our bedrooms. These places are best suited to growing our faith because in them we can experience God as being here, now. He is everywhere, now. His presence penetrates even into hidden and secret places. As he has written, “Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the LORD. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:24

Adapted from St. Cyprian, On the Lord’s Prayer

Silence and solitude are essentially subtractive actions. They are not-doings. They are the leaving off of noise and distraction. They do not bring God’s presence and grace and compassion. They are the setting aside all the business of mind and body and soul that keep us from noticing God’s continual presence, grace, and care. 

In the solitude of our bedroom (or bathroom, or whatever room you can steal a few moments of it) we can hear God say, “I’m glad you are here, beloved! Oh how often I have wanted to gather under my wings, as a hen gathers her chicks. You are dearer to me than my own heart.  You do not need to justify taking this time with me. Only, rest here, now.”