I’m not sure what comes to mind for you when you hear the word “retreat.”
For many of us, we think of church retreats. For men or women or youth. A big gathering. Speakers. Activities. Information overload. Staying up late. Coming home inspired (maybe) but also exhausted (maybe).
Or maybe a work retreat. Time away spent vision casting or team building.
The spiritual practice of retreat has a different intention. It’s setting aside time for the purpose of being with God. It’s intentionally withdrawing from the noise and chaos and busyness of life to engage in silence and solitude and to engage with God. It’s quite literally making space in your schedule and your soul to encounter the God who loves you.
This kind of retreat can look many ways. You might go on an extended retreat at a monastery or retreat center (for a weekend, a week, or even longer).
But for now, I’m suggesting a mini-retreat. An hour, a morning, a day. Whatever feels like a doable place to start.
Last fall, I began the practice of “mini” retreats. I’ve set aside most Friday mornings to visit a park or nature preserve and take a walk with God. I go alone, with no noise in my ears (no podcasts or music), read a Psalm or a small passage of scripture, and then talk to God about it as I walk. I ask Him questions and listen. I process ideas and thoughts that come to mind with Him. I notice Him in the beauty of nature around me. Each walk is different, but I always come away having encountered God and feeling refreshed.
If you’re hoping to make more space to be with God and encounter His love, maybe a mini-retreat is what you need? A retreat can look a lot of ways, but if you’d like some guidance, try these steps:
Look at your calendar and schedule some time. Start with an hour if that’s all you have.
Pick a place. A park, a trail near your house, a nature preserve, a friend’s empty house. Just choose somewhere that will be quiet and you will be alone and you leave behind work or obligations.
When you get there, find a quiet place to sit, take a few deep breaths and come into God’s presence. Thank Him for being there with you.
Read a short passage of scripture. This could be whatever text you’re currently working through or something special for that time. I like to work through the Psalms on my retreat mornings. As you read, notice what stands out to you. A word or phrase that connects or something you’re wondering about.
Now walk (or sit) with God and talk to Him about what you just read. Ask Him questions. Listen. You may want to bring a small notebook or journal with you to record what you hear or to process through writing. Take your time here.
Close by thanking God for meeting with you. Ask Him to help you continue to notice His presence with you as you return to normal life.
Trust that God is with you and leading this time so use it as you feel prompted.
You might just need space to rest and let God love you.
You might want to process through a life event or decision to be made with God.
You might feel invited to explore your inner life and what’s beneath your emotions.
You might just appreciate the beauty of God’s creation.
This is space to be with God, so use it as He leads you.
If you’re excited about the idea of retreat but feel like you could use a little more support or guidance, I’ve got you!
Coming up soon I’ll be offering monthly mini-retreat guides for paid subscribers. The guide will hit your inbox on the first of each month starting on October. If you’re not a paid subscriber but you’d like to get these monthly guides…
In October I’ll also be sharing ways that I can come to you (if you’re local to Cincinnati) to facilitate mini-retreats for groups (churches, bible studies, groups of friends).
Stay tuned for that information!
But for now, may you encounter the God who loves you as you make space in your schedule and your soul.
I hear the call. this was so affirming of God's voice drawing me into a mini retreat to process hard and dark things. thank you friend. <3