a personal retreat

We're in the middle of the holidays so I took advantage and created a one day retreat for myself. It turned out to be 8-9 hours that really fed and fueled me. (THANKS to friends of mine who let me use their apartment which provided a great environment for this)

These 'days' are incredibly refreshing (when I get around to planning them). I always wonder why I wait so long to plan another one.

They include the following:
- extended bible reading, at a pace you can soak it in
- today I reread parts of 1 Kings and Colossians (a short book)
- prayer in a variety of forms: written, vocal, singing, silent
- silence: just being silent before God

The person who wants to arrive at interiority and spirituality has to leave the crowd behind and spend some time with Jesus (Thomas a Kempis)

- writing: reflections from the bible, inner feelings, prayers, ideas, promptings from God, etc.
- other reading (if it fits, though I try and leave them out for days like this)
- walking (20-30 min. x 2)
- little food and water

Today, though I was open to hearing lots for my role as pastor, was refreshing in itself for me personally. I need this.
I read today what a women told Elijah in 1 Kings: Now I know that... the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth. (1 Kings 17:24)
I don't want to manufacture what comes out of my mouth. Days like this help it come from the inside more authentically God shaped.

Are you interested in doing a personal retreat?