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How to Plan a Spiritual Retreat: Permission to Rest (Part 3)


Person in a T-shirt with "Bridge" disciple maker training logo reads a book by a rocky stream. Calm, natural setting, with clear water and stone details.

"The table of fellowship with Jesus was never meant to be fast food.” 

– Steve Meeker


If you've made it to this third and final post in our series, I assume you would like to practice spending longer times of solitude with God, or you already do and want to continue.


Let me share 3 ideas from my own practice of spiritual retreat:


  1. Keep it simple and start small, particularly if you have never practiced solitude with God. A three-to-four-hour retreat is not hard to plan and is a wonderful place to begin


  2. Find a place that allows you to be silent and gets you away from work and responsibilities at home


  • Beaches, parks, or a hiking path (bring along a camping chair for that perfect spot you find for solitude)

  • Your backyard (if it won’t call you to work in it), your friend’s backyard or house while they are away

  • A retreat center dedicated to silence and solitude (many will allow you day access for free and will work with your financial means for overnight stays)

  • A prayer chapel (it might not be your church or denomination, but many are open for anyone to use)

  • A botanical garden that has benches and spots to enjoy in solitude


What place would you enjoy spending extended time alone with God? What does God bring to mind as you consider options?


Looking up at a tall, textured tree trunk with branches and green leaves against a clear blue sky; evokes a sense of awe and wonder regarding the beauty of God's creation and how amazing our Creater is.

  1. Bring with you only what helps you stay in God’s presence.


  • A Bible and journal

  • Music, instrument or hymnal for worship

  • Art supplies for expressing God’s presence with you and what you are noticing with him (I like to create word art with a small drawing pad and colored pencils)

  • Appropriate footwear, sun protection and chair if needed or outdoors

  • Water and food (if not fasting)


What would you leave behind? Talk with God about what might distract you from his presence and what would help you draw near to him.


God delights to spend time with us alone. If he is stirring the longing to set aside time for spiritual retreat, check out the guide posted in the Scripture Union store (there are more to come). They are offered free of charge, with the option to donate to help us keep creating resources like these.



Jenny Meeker



Portrait of Jenny, a Selah program graduate and spiritual companion, smiling warmly outdoors. She is one of the Leadership Lab International trainers and coordinator for the RENEW resources.

Jenny is a spiritual companion and Selah program graduate, passionate about helping others listen deeply to God.

After 27 years of cross-cultural ministry in Croatia with her husband and raising four sons, she experienced a season of transition and spiritual dryness that led her to discover the healing gift of spiritual companionship. She now offers others the same grace-filled space to grow in intimacy with God.


 
 
 

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