taking a 24-hour prayer retreat, part four

4. retreat flow: mindset, walk, worship

You've checked into your B&B or monastery, unpacked your bag, and are now minutes into an expanse of 24 hours alone with God. Glorious!

In time, we all establish a rhythm for these sacred spaces of prayer. Here's how retreats flow for me:

I begin by taking deep breathes and a slow walk in the garden, woods, field (depending on where I am) or even just around the room. During the walk, I establish a mindset that I'm taking a prayer retreat WITH God. I'm not alone and He's not a silent spectator. This is a date--a protected time for the nurturing of OUR relationship.

Then I always dedicate the first block of time to worship which isn't a natural starting point for me. I'd rather write in my journal or read Tozer. But over the years I've found it immeasurably more healthy for me to begin thinking about who He is rather than thinking about who I am or what my challenges/hurts/questions are. Occasionally I sing, but more often I scripture praise by reading truths about God straight from the Word. This isn't pre-planned. I simply open the Psalms and speak aloud the truths about God that I find.

Much more to come, but I need to get to bed :-). I'll post more soon.

taking a 24-hour prayer retreat, part three

3. Packing to go

You've chosen the date and made your reservation. Now I'd like to offer some thoughts for packing light, physically and emotionally:

• Pack your favorite bible, plenty of pens, pencils, and markers, perhaps a concordance, and a journal.
  
• Carefully select a few books that you feel would nourish your spirit. My favorites are Practicing the Presence by Brother Lawrence and In the Name of Jesus by Henri Nouwen.
• Please, please, consider making this retreat a no-media, low-tech zone. In other words, if it powers up, leave it home.
  
• Exceptions could include a laptop if it's (really) your journal and your cell phone for emergencies.
  
• Set up an auto-respond for email, commit to not use your phone except for emergencies, and alert your closest circle of friends that you need their help guarding this space.
• Give some thought to your retreat surroundings. What would be relaxing for you?
  
• Consider bringing a guitar or hiking boots, some painting supplies or bubble bath, good teas or specialty coffees...
• Some may ask, "Why not bring a good movie?" Primarily because there seems to be a difference between resting and escaping. I really enjoy a good movie. But for a prayer retreat I ask myself, "Can I truly talk with God and listen for His voice while doing ______?" If the answer is no, I leave it at home.
• What about music? You may want to consider a recorded-music fast for your first few retreats. Music is often a filler for us and part of a prayer retreat is rediscovering the power of silence. But obviously this is up to you. 14 years into the discipline of monthly prayer retreats, I occasionally bring my ipod loaded with worship music but my guess is I've only actually used it once in the last year.
• You also may want to bring ear plugs or your pillow if you're a light sleeper and of course all the stuff your mom always reminded you about (sunscreen, bug off, medicines...)
  

taking a 24-hour prayer retreat, part two

2. Reserve a place

Now that you have carved out the time, make a reservation somewhere for your retreat. Here are some options:

A. Monasteries and Catholic Solitudes

1. Ask your local Catholic church if there are any monasteries or solitudes in your area.
2. Monasteries often have simple guest rooms with a bed, chair, and desk. Many provide meals and the opportunity to experience prayer time or vespers in a common chapel.
3. Solitudes are more private--often you won't see a soul--but they will be quieter than monasteries which may have other guests.
4. Most often, these options only request a free-will offering for your stay. Barry & I try to leave around $30/night to help cover their expenses.

B. A Bed & Breakfast

1. Personally, this is the option I choose most months! Search your area for B&Bs with THICK walls to ensure quietness.
2. B&Bs provide an opportunity to rest in comfortable surroundings. Take a bubble bath. Enjoy hot tea by a fireplace. You get the picture.

C. A hotel or a friend's house

1. The challenge with hotels or houses is often noise levels and atmosphere.
2. But if you choose wisely (and commit to unplugging the TV and the phone) hotels and houses can also provide an environment conducive for prayer and reflection.

taking a 24 hour prayer retreat, part one

1. Set a date

Yes, even before you know why you're going or what you're going to do, please sit down with your daytimer and carve out space. 24 hours is wonderful, but don't give-up if all you can find is a morning or an afternoon.

These spaces are "made" not "born." Something else will have to be paused or cancelled, especially in the beginning. That's just fine though. You will emerge from your 24 hours much more focused, creative, and kind :-).