Silent Retreats: How to Use Your Time

Photo by Şahin Sezer Dinçer on Unsplash

When you arrive at the retreat location, an immediate question often arises: What now? The leadership of your retreat may have various ideas and activities planned, but I believe that “less is better” for these events.

The physical activities will be entirely up to you, depending on where your retreat is held. Some locations offer a variety of optional activities to participate in. Most of the retreats I have led have taken place at Crossroads Camp and Conference Center in Lowesville, VA. There are several hiking trails available in this mountain setting, which provides breathtaking scenery. A mountain stream runs through the property, with plenty of spots to sit near it (or in it if you enjoy a little rock hopping). The sounds of the stream are soothing to the soul and have created many holy moments for me. Off-site activities are also accessible. Other locations have various options as well, and it benefits the pilgrim to explore their retreat location to see what activities they may choose to indulge in.

Most activities during your retreat will occur internally. You will engage your mind, emotions, and spirit.

A silent retreat mentally helps you shut out the chaos of the world you live in. Many people bring books that have sat on their nightstands for weeks or months, unread and waiting to be enjoyed. Others bring their Bibles for intentional time focusing on God’s word, seeking inspiration or insights previously undiscovered. I have often practiced and observed others taking a notepad and pen to meditate and listen, recording what is revealed. God has shared many insights about life and ministry with me over the years while sitting by sources of living water, such as streams, rivers, or oceans. You have likely heard testimonies from others with similar experiences. Fireplaces often provide the same effect. The principle is to let the world pass by without you for a while, allowing time to absorb, create, or simply relax your mind.

Emotionally, this can serve as an enormous stress reliever! Many times, I have encountered people attending silent retreats with the weight of the world on their shoulders. I have witnessed high levels of anxiety, worry, fear, and tears. This escape has provided a beautiful prescription for many to find ways to sort their thoughts and feelings, discern the bigger picture to help them put circumstances into perspective, and drown out those internal voices that loudly proclaim the pilgrim should be panicking. Engaging in a silent retreat is a great way to confront those problems head-on with an intention that strengthens character.

Spiritually, pilgrims often encounter a lot of noise. Making the most of your time is determined by how you choose to deal with the issues mentioned above and perhaps even more so within your spirit. Some attend a silent retreat to confront a hidden sin they have been unable to face for many years. This is a wonderful opportunity to repent and experience God’s healing forgiveness. You may long for God to provide direction for a particular issue or calling. Silent retreats are a fantastic opportunity to nestle in God’s arms and be embraced. It is often said that “stilling” your soul and basking in God’s warm and powerful embrace is the pathway to spiritual clarity.

The primary activity you will want to engage in is simply listening. Listen with your ears and absorb the sounds of the surrounding nature. Listen with your mind and release the negative voices one by one to embrace serenity. Listen with your emotions and soak in the calm reassurance that can only be found in quiet places. Listen with your spirit and take in the nourishment and wisdom of God that will fill you to overflowing.

Be open. Be wide open. Be prepared to document your experiences through journaling or whatever methods you use to remember and reflect upon them later. Most importantly, cultivate silence in your mind, emotions, and spirit. Even if you do not find the specific things you seek, God will meet you there.

If you are ready to learn more about the silent retreats I host through Peptalk Ministries, follow this link or connect with me directly.