Ordinary Eve
Jesus went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. Mathew 14 v23
Life is busy and difficult and snatching an hour here and there to think about God - maybe once a week on a Sunday - doesn't give you time to simply relax and be with God.
If you had a good friend whose company you valued you would be likely to spend many hours in their company. In this way you get to know them better and build a stronger relationship with them. The same is true of our relationship with God. Through retreating from the world and all our normal problems we learn about ourselves and come close to God.
Getting away from our normal circumstances can also bring a fresh perspective on issues we have been dealing with. And finally, it simply gives us a chance to rest and be quiet -a pleasure that's hard to come by when you are caring for your family, out partying or trying to keep your career on track.
Making retreat can be refreshing mentally, physically and spiritually. And there are as many different styles of retreat as there are styles of spirituality.
Quiet day
Finding a place where you can be quiet and simply think or pray on your own is one way of making retreat. Check out the Quiet Gardens website for details of places you could visit.
Guided retreat
These may take the form of a day, a weekend or longer where you will focus on a question or issue together with other people. You will have a guide who will lead you in prayer, reading and discussion and are likely to eat together with time to chat to others. Check out our link to EChurchUk for suggestions.
Silent retreat
This may be completely silent or you may be able to talk to a spiritual guide during the retreat. It is a very good way of focusing on God completely and silence takes a lot of pressure off you by removing the need to be sociable with your fellow retreaters! Check out Worth Abbey for Guided Silent Prayer retreats and other kinds of more active retreat.
