Over the last couple of decades, I’ve gone on dozens of personal getaways with God. I have found these seven guidelines invaluable:
1. Wait for Him. In preparation, allow the Lord to set the retreat time, place, and theme. Will it be a worship retreat? A deep study of prayer in the Word? A time of fasting and intercession for a crisis or a long-unresolved need? A space in which to seek guidance or a fresh focus for ministry? Allow Him to unfold His heart in His timing. He alone understands your season and His purposes.
“Those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit” (Rom. 8:5, esv).
Lord, what do You want this retreat to be about? When? Where?
2. Look to Him. Allow God to direct the plan, choose the Scripture focus, and highlight any resources to take along. He alone knows if you are depleted or burdened or backslidden—and how to address that. He also knows the new work He desires to do and what tools He wants to use.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19).
Lord, You know what You want to accomplish on this retreat. Please show me the Scripture and prayer focus. Guide me to any additional materials I should bring so that Your purposes will be advanced.
3. Open to Him. As the retreat begins,welcome the Holy Spirit as your intimate Companion and Guide. Acknowledge His authority, invite His revelation, and open wide to His work.
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Ps. 139:23–24).
Welcome, Holy Spirit. I surrender myself to You. I know I need You. I need Your insight and revelation; I need Your transforming power. Take over this retreat, I pray.
4. Turn It Over. Going forward, keep every activity in God’s hands. Prayer. Bible study. Godly meditation. Reading. Walks. Conversations with others. Listening silence.
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Gal. 5:25).
Take control of each moment and all I am and do; continually direct me according to Your will. Don’t let me wander off-course or waste any of this precious time.
5. Change It Up. A change of activity or scenery renews the mind and recharges the body. Eat a snack. Take a walk. Listen to a song. Read an uplifting magazine (like the latest issue of Prayer Connect!).
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Eccl. 3:1).
Lord, I acknowledge both my frailty and my reluctance at times. Take it into account by pacing me throughout this time.
6. Write It Down. As checkout time nears, ask the Lord for specific ways to live out any spiritual insights and practical instructions you’ve received. Write His directives down so that none are forgotten.
“. . . work out your salvation with fear and trembling,for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Phil. 2:12–13).
Please help me, as I leave this place, to continue to embrace the new truths You’ve shown me and to completely carry out all You’ve charged me with, as Your Holy Spirit directs and helps.
7. Carry It Through. After you are home, reread those Scripture-based instructions from time to time. If the Lord spoke it to you, obedience is important!
“But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do” (James 1:25).
Am I living out what You worked into me at my retreat? Am I staying on task? Are any course corrections needed?
Making the Most of It
These guidelines will help to advance your retreat, renew your prayer life, discern His leading, cooperate with His workings, and return home having made the most of your getaway with God.
SANDY MAYLE is a freelance writer and a frequent contributor to Prayer Connect.
