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The Practice of Going on Retreat

March 12, 2009 By Jean Wise

I leave this afternoon for a four day silent retreat. This is the third time in four years I have gone on this type of journey. I will be meeting with a director 3-4 times, but most of the time will be in silence.

 
Not all retreats are structured like this one. Why do I go?

I find as the days progress on this type of retreat all the internal noise – voices from the world, my ego and from others – finally fade and I can hear God clearly and deeply. I allow myself to rest in His arms and just be with Him.
So often in my everyday life, I get so distracted and rushed – this becomes a very special time.
I am lifting up prayers for discernment for my next step within the ELCA Associate in Ministry program, where do I best put my time and efforts in writing and for clarity for the lessons God has been putting on my heart lately about my willfulness and pride.
 
I am a firm believer in keeping a journal and usually fill up many pages on this type of retreat. Rereading or harvesting those words in the coming weeks often give me further insight to where God is touching my heart.
 
Our world provides too little time and space for reflection, prayer and contemplation. The silence of retreat is a gift we give ourselves and others who are with us. The rising demands of contemporary life, and the nature and values of our secular society, have the combined effect of eroding our spiritual lives. It becomes important then, to be aware of this effect and to respond by actively nurturing the spiritual life.
“Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest for a while,” Mark 6:31

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Filed Under: spiritual practices

Comments

  1. blankJo Ann Luce says

    March 13, 2009 at 3:23 pm

    I am late in leaving this note, because you are probably already on retreat. I do hope and pray that it is very beneificial to you.

    Sometime when you have time, let me know if there is a way that I can be notified when you post another blog.

    God bless you!

  2. blankClella says

    March 13, 2009 at 2:37 am

    Oh Jean this is so true and you have said it so well. I do appreciate your desire to be more Christ like and can see your growth. Love you Clella

Healthy Spirituality – a sacred space to nurture your faith, grow closer to God, and belong to a community, walking together on life’s journey. This blog is written by author, speaker and retreat leader Jean Wise

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