Retreats

Worship and Motion

Retreats

I’ve actually considered starting my own retreat center, and maybe I will someday.  For some reason, people feel liberated when they’re on retreats… as if we’re finally allowed to be vulnerable with God and each other (only during that special time).  What I try to emphasize, is that “retreating” can happen anywhere, any time.

Get alone with God.  Take a day or a weekend, and retreat to a place where you can be honest with yourself.  Get away from the things that would normally distract you from God; find his stillness and peace.  Come with an open mind, and only bring items that will help you be present.  If your schedule is too busy to allow an out-of-town trip, you can simply retreat for a day in your own home, or spend the night at a friend’s house.  There are many different types of retreats, so it can be helpful to have a theme, or activity, or goal in mind.  You can sing the entire time, or you can be silent and listen to God the entire time.  You can paint, or journal, or read scripture throughout the retreat; and you can also work out specific emotional or psychological problems, taking a “fearless moral inventory” of yourself (from the 12 Step Program).  You can invite one person to pray with you all day, or read to you all day.

Group retreats are great opportunities for growth, vulnerability, and sharing.  Retreats can be free-form and self-led, or can be structured with prayer guides, counselors, speakers, and music leaders.  Try planning a themed retreat for your group, depending on group interest and need.  The retreat themes could be art, worship, counseling, spiritual disciplines, social justice, etc… or can focus on gender-specific issues.  If you choose the popular “silent retreat”, remember to wear a badge that lets everyone know you are to be left alone.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Mark 1:35

 

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken.

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

All the believers were one in heart and mind.

Acts 4:31-32

 

After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside,

where he spent some time with them, and baptized.

John 3:22

 

1.  What in your life is distracting?

2.  What helps you hear God?

3.  Do you have any hopes or fears of being vulnerable with other people?