What if the practice of solitude could feel more like delight than discipline?

In this conversation, John Mark and Richard Foster—a pastor and theologian who has helped the modern Church return to ancient Christian practices—consider where solitude should always lead us: into familiar, joyful friendship with Jesus. The conversation is followed by a time of question and response.

This episode is from the Into the Quiet Experience in Denver, Colorado, in Fall 2026.

If you’d like to continue exploring what it means to build a life with God in solitude, we have two invitations for you. First, John Mark’s newest book Into The Quiet is now available for order at your book provider of choice. Second, you can join John Mark in person for the Into the Quiet Experience, coming to a city near you between now and November 12. Purchase your ticket at intothequietexperience.com.

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Jen from Round Mountain, Texas; Ahnna from Johnstown, Colorado; Justin from Bend, Oregon; Timothy from Endicott, New York; Ali from La Jolla, California. Thank you all very much.

If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/generous.

What effect does trauma have on our capacity to hear God’s voice?

In this conversation, John Mark and Dr. Dan Allender—a therapist with 40 years of experience specializing in trauma—reflect on how the inner “tumult” of solitude might become the open door for Jesus to enter into our deepest wounds. The conversation is followed by a time of question and response.

This episode is from the Into the Quiet Experience in Seattle, Washington, in Fall 2026.

If you’d like to continue exploring what it means to build a life with God in solitude, we have two invitations for you. First, John Mark’s newest book Into The Quiet is now available for order at your book provider of choice. Second, you can join John Mark in person for the Into the Quiet Experience, coming to a city near you between now and November 12. Purchase your ticket at intothequietexperience.com.

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Pam from Llano, Texas; Jeff from Centerville, Ohio; Jessie from Houston, Texas; Nicole from Cambridge, Massachusetts; Mallory from Yakima, Washington. Thank you all very much.

If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/generous.

Mentioned in this conversation:

• Psalm 22:1
• Dietrich Bonhoeffer
• Psalm 139:17
• Ronald Rohlheiser

What transformation waits for you in the quiet place?

In this final teaching in our series on the ancient practice of solitude, John Mark shares the ultimate purpose of solitude: an encounter with God that uncovers our identity and reveals our calling.

If you’d like to continue exploring what it means to build a life with God in solitude, we have two invitations for you. First, John Mark’s newest book, Into the Quiet, is now available for preorder at intothequietexperience.com/preorder. Second, you can join John Mark in person for the Into the Quiet Experience, coming to a city near you between now and November 12. Purchase your ticket at intothequietexperience.com/.

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Ronnie from McKinney, Texas; Jim from Fort Collins, Colorado; Amanda from Millcreek, Utah; Nic from Dallas, Texas; and Tabitha from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Thank you all very much.

If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/generous.

Mentioned in this teaching:

• Mark 1:32-39
• Invitation to Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God's Transforming Presence by Ruth Haley Barton
• Order your copy of the Solitude Companion Guide at practicingtheway.org/solitude.