Contemplative Prayer Retreats

We often associate prayer with the words we say. And sometimes, we feel required to “report” to God — perhaps out of feelings of guilt or fear — or like we are shouting our requests into a dark, empty room. It sometimes feels like God is distant and uncaring.

Prayer can become another task on our to-do list. Just another requirement on our time. Instead of being restorative and restful, prayer can become exhausting. This makes us feel anxious, sad, and insufficient.

But prayer doesn’t have to be like that. 

The historic Christian practice of contemplative prayer is a different kind of prayer. It does not depend on giving God information, rather, it’s a way of trusting and resting in the presence of the Holy Spirit. It’s a way of being with God without wordiness or work.

Instead of working harder, contemplative prayer is resting and waiting. We rest in God, and depend on him to initiate communion and communication. We do not ask for things, we simply open ourselves up to God.

This retreat is for everyone who wishes they could have that kind of restful and graceful experience with God.

You’ll learn to keep your heart alert and awake to the presence of God and his Word. It will refresh your perspective on God and yourself, and you’ll have an opportunity to recover the vitality of your relationship with him. 

This weekend will ask you to practice a bit of solitude, silence and patience, but it is not the heavy work that we sometimes associate with prayer or “quiet times.” Instead it’s a place of quiet rest. A posture of receptivity to God’s love and care.

Every attendee receives a free session with our on-staff spiritual director. It’s like having a supportive tour guide for your time away with God. Someone to listen to you, and to God with you. And of course, spiritual direction is entirely optional.