Invitation to Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God's Transforming Presence

by Ruth Haley Barton

Ruth Haley Barton’s award-winning, practical introduction to the spiritual practice of silence and solitude is an invitation to you to journey into the real presence of God and hear and his voice.

Much of the Christian faith is about words – preaching, teaching, talking with others. But the hectic demands and noise of daily modern life can drown out God’s words, and keep us from fully meeting him.

Taking the story of Elijah the prophet as inspiration and example, Invitation to Solitude and Silence explores the power of quietness and stillness in connecting with God. Filled with practical exercises that draw on Ruth’s own experience, it encourages and challenges us to rethink how we see silence and solitude and to use them to invite God deeper into our lives.

Invitation to Solitude and Silence is ideal for anyone looking for spiritual disciplines to help them connect more fully with God and practices to aid their spiritual formation. Ruth’s gentle wisdom will expand your idea of what prayer can be, and help you find time to rest and renew your faith so that your relationship with God is strengthened.

Helpful and hopeful, this book is a reminder that God does not push himself where he is not wanted but waits for us to respond from the depths of our desire. Will you say yes?

Genres: Christian, Theology, Faith

160 pages, Paperback

Published July 15, 2021

About the author

Ruth Haley Barton (Doctor of Divinity, Northern Seminary) is founding president/CEO of the Transforming Center, a ministry dedicated to strengthening the souls of pastors and Christian leaders, and the congregations and organizations they serve. For over twenty years, she has ministered to the soul care needs of pastors and leaders based upon her conviction that the best thing we bring to leadership is our own transforming selves. Trained at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation and the Institute for Pastoral Studies Loyola University Chicago, Ruth is a seasoned retreat leader and spiritual director. A sought-after speaker and preacher, she has served on the pastoral staff of several churches and teaches frequently at seminaries and graduate schools. Ruth is the author of numerous books and resources on the spiritual life, including Invitation to Solitude and Silence, Sacred Rhythms, Longing for More, Pursuing God's Will Together, and Life Together in Christ. She continues to share her thoughts and perspectives on soulful leadership through an online resource called eReflections as well as a podcast entitled Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership.

Reviews

[Beth Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book a few years ago, and reread/listened to it again this year, because I felt that I needed more encouragement to practice solitude and silence. This time around I was struck in many ways that I had not been in my first read-through. In many ways it felt like the author was putting words to my own thoughts and experiences surrounding my spiritual life in a way that brought both clarity and validation. One of my favorite aspects of the book that I continue to return to are the brief practice sections at the end of each chapter. I also really appreciate how Barton uses the biblical story of Elijah in the wilderness as a sort of model, off of which she builds. Highly recommend!

[Annalee Josephine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent intro to solitude and silence. Even if it's not a new practice for you, you will appreciate this book if you appreciate solitude. Insightful chapters and really helpful practical solitude exercises at the end of each.

[Jungsook Chung · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected a lot by the title, Inviation to Solitude and Silence. This book is disappointing for me who have already read a lot of spiritual books. The approach is shallow and borrowed a lot of ideas of other famous spiritual leaders or authors. Nothing new for me except her own experiences which are not very meaningful or impressive either. She is not willing to share even her own experiences deeply, which makes her book more shallow. The experiences she shared are almost nothing serious; we experience such turning points in thinking from negative to positive almost everyday.

The only credit I can give her is she uses very easy English. I am surprised she got rate above 4.5, which means people might not have been exposed to true, deep spiritual books. The part I like best is the way she interpretes St. Ignatius' Exam of Consciousness as looking back over the day to notice God's presence, and the Examen of Conscience as noticing my lack of responses to that God's presence. She wrapped up St. Ignatius' five steps Examem of Consciousness very briefly and easily.

She also explained St. Ignatius' concepts of Consolation and Desolation in simple words, which I like again.

But most of parts, the more you read, the book has been filled with redundunts and as a result it becomes very tedious. I don't believe I will read or listen to her any longer.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading this for the last couple of weeks very slowly in the morning and this has made a real difference in my time with God. I have not had a lot of experience with solitude and silence, but God has been inviting me into it and this book has helped me tremendously to find my way in these times. Ruth has written these bite-sized chapters with a practice at the end that allow you to go deeper and deeper while not feeling overwhelmed or trying and wanting too many things at once. I will definitely be going back to this over the coming months, I would recommend it to anyone that wants to explore longer times of silence with God!

[Stephen Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruth H. Barton is a classic and profound writer!! It’s no wonder she was so close and beloved by Dallas and the team at westmont. Absolutely vital reading and wisdom for those who are caught at the edge of themselves in striving and work, and the future Jesus is drawing them into. We are unable to fully engage with society and the world we are called to love and reach, without first identifying our empty soul and need of a savior. RHB nails this so practically. This is a fantastic first step book into the world of the Spiritual Disciplines. I found it freeing and beautiful.

[Hannah Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me genuinely reading this book: 😮. There were many moments where my jaw was actually on the floor and I was in shock with how hard hitting this was and how deeply in need of it I was. She was able to perfectly articulate the conditions of one’s mind, body, and soul when they are in desperate need of silence and solitude with God and what it is that they truly deep need from that. The practices at the end of each chapter weren’t cheesy “how to’s” but deeply real and practical ways to engage with God, and hear and receive what your soul truly needs. I could not recommend this enough.

[Martin Edens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many writers on spiritual disciplines tend to make things way too abstract. There are indeed times when Barton makes the experience of solitude a little bit too poetic, but she always brings it back to reality. Her own experiences are very relatable. A deep longing for God on the one hand, and a busy and hectic life (and mind) on the other. In the midst of all that her book is a hopeful and encouraging message to seek God in the stillness!

[Gwen Devereux · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a culture where it’s go go go all of the time this book offers a practical hands on way to bring in peace through solitude and silence. Structured in a very doable manner Mrs Barton walks you through a simple step by step process to help you get comfortable just being still. With its strong Christian focus this is My new favorite resource for prayer and spirituality.

[Amanda Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

“…many of us have no idea how starving we are, and that is one reason the invitation to solitude and silence holds so much ambivalence.”

I highly recommend this book! It talks about what it is to know God, to rest in him. These practices will continue to change & deepen everything I know about God & mine’s relationship

[Sallie Belle Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful guide for walking with God in Solitude and Silence. In a world where we are surrounded by noise and outside influences, to sit at the feet of Jesus and rest is a gift. We are called to this in our relationship with Him. It is not easy, but you can read and reread this as a guidebook to learning!

[Hannah Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking to grow in your intimacy with the Lord, this book is definitely a helpful tool! Ruth Haley Barton uses scripture, experience and others in order to teach us how to better live in the silence with the Lord.

[Doug Rumbold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book for anyone wanting to explore a deep union with God where our resistance, fatigue, self awareness, and performance are all addressed. In addressing those places within us the attention given to His transforming presence is embraced.

[Sabrina Reinhard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Truly a gift in this season of life. Barton’s writing is approachable, rich and practical. I have a far greater appreciation for silence and solitude and feel better equipped to incorporate it into my life. Would definitely recommend this resource.

[Stacey Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical and not too heady

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I deeply enjoyed this book, and the gentleness with which Barton encourages us to notice what God is inviting us into.

[Hunter Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never read a book on this topic before, but it’s such an underrated principle of discipleship and I know, now more than ever, how badly I need it.

[Ruthann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books and one that I read over and over again. It’s worth re-reading because it gives much practical guidance. Highly recommend

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book and practicing silence. A new discipline I will continue to practice for years to come.

[Haven · Rating 5 out of 5]

So needed. I related to the vast majority of her story and greatly appreciated the practical practices she suggests.

[Christina Kessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m sad to have reached the end of such a rich, beautiful book. A balm for the weary heart. Will re-read.

[Andrew Wilkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid & Simple. Helpful to have the thread of Elijah under the broom tree. RHB is Well resourced.

[Navin Karri · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m not sure if this book describes a Christian practice or some form of eastern mysticism/new age spiritualism. I feel it’s not biblical. YMMV.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn’t as inspiring as my first feed. However I see the value in the practices and perhaps need to take some time to focus on practicing those things.

[Smile4kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a practical book in the topic of spiritual solitude and Silence.

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

***After reading it a second time, I must say that this book is better when read with a friend who can keep you accountable to actually doing what the book says and with whom you can discuss the chapters!

I would recommend this book for anyone seeking to deepen their relationship with God. As someone who grew up in the church - a life that included reading the Bible daily, memorizing Bible verses, singing worship songs, and learning all those Bible stories - this book came at a time when I needed a new approach to my time with God. And this was the fresh lens I needed through which to view God and seek Him!
Overall, Barton's experience and teachings emphasize that solitude is not simply "self-care;" it is a time in which to "be still and know" that God is God - He is control, and we are not. This equips us for a fuller life in which we can serve God and love others well. In the meantime, practicing solitude allows us to let go and surrender to an experience that is greater and more fulfilling than anything we can conjure with human minds and hands. It is a practice that requires letting go of prior conceptions and knowledge, but the reward is to know something sweeter with a deeper level of peace that the world could never give. Of course, it is easier said than done, but I thought Barton did a fantastic job in breaking her book into sections or steps, tangible ones to ease us into the practice.
I have heard that this book is highly recommended for any Christians seeking graduate degrees, and I agree. But as I mentioned at the beginning of this review, I think it is for anyone, whether they are old, new, or unfamiliar with the Christian faith. Because ultimately, that's how relationships with God are: for everyone and for everyone to find peace and lifelong satisfaction in Christ.

[Thea Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Invitation to Solitude and Silence - Experiencing God’s transforming presence’ by Ruth Haley Barton gets 4 stars ⭐️ another challenging and practical book to help a follower of Jesus dig deeper into their spiritual journey. “This book will help you to learn how to “marinade” in God’s presence - it takes time and stillness and that takes solitude and silence” ( to summarise Mike Pilavachi from the foreword) Or to quote from the book itself “When a jar of river water sits still, the law of gravity causes the sediment to eventually settle to the bottom so the water becomes clear. We don’t have to do anything to cause that settling except leave the jar alone for a while. - The same is true of the spiritual law of gravity. When we sit quietly in God’s presence, the sediment that is swirling in our souls begins with to settle. We don’t have to do anything but show up and trust the spiritual law of gravity that says, Be Still, and the knowing will come’