Attending a silent retreat is a primary spiritual practice of mine. I hesitated when going for the first time in 2004 and was filled with fear and anxiety. Four days of not speaking???? What would I do? The void threatened my soul. I felt vulnerable, almost naked without the cushion of noise and the comfort of busyness to protect my ego.
But not only did I survive, but I also heard God in newer and deeper ways. As I kept track of my journey in my journals each time, God gently unfolded my heart in a fresh way and touched me with his healing love.
One year I skipped this practice and as that year progressed, I felt restless, uncertain and longed for time – silent time – alone with our Creator. I have never missed an annual retreat since then and make scheduling one a priority every year.
I leave this coming Thursday through Sunday for my next retreat at a retreat center about an hour from my home. I haven’t been to this center in quite a while so I am looking forward to exploring the area once again. And exploring my soul’s interiority too.
I have several past blog posts about retreats such as this one if you want to read more.
Ever been on a silent retreat? Several years ago, I wrote a small book about this practice – Spiritual Retreats – A Guide to Slowing Down to be with God that is still available on Amazon.
This practice means so much to me I made a gift for you. I created a special free handout for you – Pausing to Prepare – 5 W’s of Preplanning for a Silent Retreat – available at no cost by just clicking the button below.
Seven Thoughts about the Practice of a Silent Retreat
Nothing is so like God as silence.
— Meister Eckhart
Silence is God’s first language; everything else is a poor
translation. In order to hear that language, we must learn to be still and to
rest in God.
— Thomas Keating
Silence of the heart is necessary so you can hear God
everywhere — in the closing of the door, in the person who needs you, in the
birds that sing, in the flowers, in the animals.
— Mother Teresa
A spiritual retreat is medicine for soul
starvation. Through silence, solitary practice, and simple living, we begin to
fill the empty reservoir. This lifts the veils, dissolves the masks, and
creates space within for the feelings of forgiveness, compassion, and loving
kindness that are so often blocked.
— David A. Cooper
Be still, and know that I am God –Psalm 46: 10
Silence isn’t empty, it’s full of answers. – Anonymous
I ask for your prayers for my time away. Don’t forget your free resource below.
Have you ever gone on a silent retreat? Why or why not?
I absolutely loved the silent retreats I’ve been on. My soul longs to go on another one. But it’s just not been the right season yet. I’ll keep doing mini-silent retreats on my own until I can get back to our monastery. Praying for your time away, Jean. I’m treasuring these quotes on silence. My one word for the year is Linger, and this month’s focus is Linger in Silence.
i long for silent retreat and sadly this one was canceled with all this corona virus concerns. THere is another one in summer that hopefully I can attend. I too am doing mini silent retreats. worked well on Friday but not so today sigh. Thanks for your prayers
Isn’t it amazing, after all these years of attending silent retreats, God STILL gently unfolds your heart in fresh ways–every time. Adding my prayers to those of Denise and Martha!
Hard to understand why I am surprised each time when God shows up and shows me something new. Thanks for the prayers
I have made two silent retreats, each a week long. Those two retreats changed my life. The first one led me to falling in love with Jesus. The second led me to Sister Mary Monstrance and a book. This leads me to ask, why haven’t I done another … now 12 years later?
yes reteats always change me deeply. Yes I would say you are ready to go on another one. Let’s go together!!
Jean I will keep you in my prayers as you prepare and as you fulfill your retreat! I have read your book on Spiritual Retreats and enjoyed it so much! I think I will re-read it while you’re on your retreat.
I have not been on a retreat and at this point I am unable but I hope at some time in the future, the LORD will provide that opportunity for me!
Enjoy your quiet time with God as you draw nearer to Him!
Thank you for your prayers. I hope you get to go someday – it is such a deepening experience and time with God
You have my prayers, Jean! Enjoy being fully in the presence of God while you contemplate Him in silence.
Blessings!
Thank you sweet Martha. I so long to be deeper with our Lord!