Pope Shenouda III
The Bible states: “Consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly.“ (Joel 1:14). Place this verse before you and train yourself in solitude.
What is meant by solitude is being in seclusion with God, for there are those who isolate themselves at home doing in no spiritual work and concentrate on the radio, television, or magazines, or delve into conversation with others at home! Or they may indulge in sinful thoughts!
Seclusion should actually be indulgence in spiritual work that you do with your bedroom door closed between you and God.
You seclude yourself with the Bible, with the biographies of saints, with prostration, and with prayer.