How to Do A Personal Spiritual Retreat for Yourself
Have you ever taken a personal spiritual retreat?
If this sounds like something you could use in your life, hang tight. I’ll share more in a minute.
There is a lot of talk, these days, about self-care. As women, we are encouraged to, “Take time and treat yourself!”
This treat yourself approach could range from scheduling a pedicure to booking an expensive spa weekend in Cabo. The former I have done—the latter, not so much.
Over the years, I’ve had wonderful opportunities for spiritual enrichment aside from my local church. Perhaps you can say the same. These have included women’s retreats, worship conferences, and other inspirational gatherings.
These types of events usually provide opportunity for fellowship, worship, training, and growth alongside others of like-minded faith and purpose. And while these moments have the potential to impact us significantly, they are not the same as a personal spiritual retreat.
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you..." James 4.8a (ESV)
Who should consider taking a personal spiritual retreat?
For moms of children or teens, a weekend {or afternoon, if that’s all you can manage} of uninterrupted Bible study, worship, and prayer can bring refreshment in spirit and purpose, as well as physical and mental rest.
For women involved in ministry {paid or volunteer}, a personal spiritual retreat can provide time for reflection, focused study, and silence to hear from God.
For any woman, whatever your circumstance, a personal spiritual retreat creates space to sit with Jesus, read Scripture, journal what God gives you, and be renewed—body, mind, and soul.
For the woman struggling with a particular situation or challenge, a personal spiritual retreat allows for private, alone time with God—to seek His face for guidance and be encouraged.
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6.33 (ESV)
How to plan for a personal spiritual retreat?
If you feel a retreat is something you need in your life, here are a few suggestions for how to get started.
#1 – Pray and plan. Ask the Lord to help you find the time, space, and resources needed for a retreat. If married, share with your spouse that you would like to take time alone for spiritual enrichment. Make decisions about childcare, if needed, and ask God to work out all the details.
#2 – Select the date and location. Determine how much time you can take and put it on your calendar. Try to schedule a weekend or overnight. If that’s not possible, plan for a full or half-day retreat {coffee shops, bookstores, or the local library usually offer quiet places to retreat for short periods). For overnight or weekend retreats, hotels or bed & breakfasts are good options. Look for discounts online. Request a room on the top floor in a quiet corner. Consider what is available nearby, such as walking trails or tranquil places to enjoy God’s creation.
#3 – Keep in mind this is not the opportunity for a girl’s getaway. A personal spiritual retreat is intended to be just between you and God. Turning this into a “girlfriend trip” rarely ends up allowing for time alone with Him as planned. If you are uncomfortable traveling or staying alone, consider sharing the time with a friend who has similar goals for a spiritual retreat experience—solitude, focus on spiritual things, and mutual respect for each other’s time and the need to be alone. {If you do take a friend, I suggest separate rooms to provide privacy for individual prayer and alone time with the Lord.}
#4 – Create your spiritual retreat survival bag. Pack the following items to take with you.
Bible
Journal or notebook(s)
Bible study materials you may be working on
Laptop or another device {if desired}
Pens, highlighters, colored pencils
Tissues, drinks, snacks {unless you are fasting}
Ear buds or headphones
Worship music/playlist on device
Other items that encourage creativity or closeness to God {I like to have my digital camera to take pictures while walking or observing creation. A friend of mine loves to knit, and says it helps her to lay aside the cares of life and hear God’s voice.}
Additional material to enhance your time of retreat {see below for a list of supplemental materials, some relatable to specific seasons you may find yourself in}
#5 – Unplug from social media & other disruptions. While on retreat, try to live unplugged. Obviously, you should maintain contact with loved ones and stay safe. Focus on being unplugged during the times you’ve set aside for prayer, worship, and Bible study. Consider limiting social media to once-a-day, but only for purposes related to work or family communication. No posting during this time.
My own experiences with a personal spiritual retreat have been incredibly meaningful and, at the risk of sounding dramatic, even life changing. Remember, your level of expectation often dictates the outcome.
Enter in and expect to receive from the Lord exactly what you need for the season you are in.
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119.105 (ESV)
Supplemental Materials for Spiritual Retreating
*For the Mom who needs spiritual refreshment, check out REFRESH RETREAT FREE materials by Saddleback Church.
*“How to Take A Spiritual Retreat” This blog article has some great suggestions for a simple schedule while retreating, as well as suggestions for reading material to use.
*For the one needing to escape the chaos of life, check out SILENCE & SOLITUDE FREE study by Saddleback Church.
*This is a great article – Personal Spiritual Retreat: 24 Hours With God
*3 Spiritual Retreats That Will Rekindle Your Spark This blog article describes three different kinds of retreats and why you may need them.
*Want to learn how to keep a journal while on retreat? Check out the FREE JOURNALING study by Saddleback Church.