Solitude Retreats
One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
What are Contemplative Retreats, Solitude, and Silence?
“Retreats are specific and regular times set apart for quietly listening to God and delighting in his company. Retreats remove us from the daily battle into times of refreshing, retooling, renewing and unwinding.”
Adele Calhoun
In contemplative and silent retreats, we take time to be and to gaze upon our Risen Savior. This is enhanced by times of solitude and silence whereby we leave people and words behind and enter into time with God alone. It is in solitude and silence that we come face to face with who we are and hear God proclaiming our belovedness back to us.
“Solitude well practiced will break the power of busyness, haste, isolation, and loneliness. You will see that the world is not on your shoulders after all. You will find yourself, and God will find you in new ways. Joy and peace will begin to bubble up within you and arrive from things and events around you. Praise and prayer will come to you and from within you. With practice, the “soul anchor” established in solitude will remain solid when you return to your ordinary life with others.”
Dallas Willard
Silence and solitude can be practiced in community and can be incorporated into retreats of various lengths.
If you are interested in a conversation on planning and facilitating contemplative retreats for your church or community groups, please use the interest form below to contact me.