20014 Retreat Time with God

Periodically, we need special getaways for more concentrated alone time with God. Our daily schedules are usually full and sometimes hectic. So occasionally we need a larger block of time to worship him, seek guidance, and/or work through significant challenges.

Retreat time with God is a time intentionally set aside when you literally “retreat” from your everyday life and come away to a place where you can be alone with God.

One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles. (Luke 6:12, 13, NLT)

Jesus was about to choose his twelve out of a larger group of followers. It was perhaps the most significant decision of his earthly life. He would be with them and send them to do his will. They would receive the bulk of his teaching and the secrets of the kingdom. The subsequent Great Commission would be in their hands. They would be leading the first church after his departure (ascension). Jesus was fully human. So, he went up on a mountain to have retreat time with the Father overnight. He sought the Father’s face, sacrificing his sleep after a long, exhausting day of ministering to others. It was during this retreat time when Jesus was able to decide whom to call to be his twelve apostles.

Like Jesus, there are times when we need retreat time with God to seek his will, discern his plan, receive his guidance and directions, and to pray for others for breakthroughs.

An Extended Time with God

There are various reasons for getting alone with God for a longer period of time. Here are a few:

Relationship

You need uninterrupted time to renew or deepen your relationship. It is time to focus on God’s lovingkindness, faithfulness, and who you are in Christ.

Worship

As an expression of your devotion, you want more time to praise and worship God for his majestic character and amazing deeds.

Perspective

Perhaps you need to get into God’s Word to gain a correct view of your circumstances and life in general to counteract the deceptive illusions of reality promoted by society.

Comfort

Maybe you have just experienced a great loss and are seeking God’s comforting presence and peace.

Guidance

There are times when you need to make a major decision that will have a significant impact on your future. Rather than just weighing the pros and cons in your mind, get alone with God and ask him for supernatural wisdom. He knows all and sees all.

Provision

Sometimes are in need of employment, financial help, or even food and shelter. Spending time with God can open your eyes to his provision.

Deliverance

Perhaps you are struggling with an attitude or behavior problem. Maybe you have a health crisis, spiritual assault, or other threatening situations.

Intercession

God wants us to bring the needs of our family, friends, nation, and others to him. Because of our relationship with him, he invites us to ask him to intervene on behalf of others.

Tips for Retreat Time with God

Schedule Your Retreat Time

You may want to get away with God and have the best intentions but until you block out time on your calendar it is unlikely it will happen. Without deliberate action, other activities will fill your schedule.

Plan Your Retreat

Is there a primary reason for this extended time with God? Worship? Prayer? Guidance? Provision? Deliverance? Or a combination of reasons? Whatever your reason, go into your retreat anticipating God will reveal his presence and meet your need through the Holy Spirit.

Take Spiritual Resources

Bring the resources you may need. In addition to your Bible, what about worship music, devotionals, etc. Be sure to have access to the many resources on this app as well.

Avoid Distractions

Various distractions can hinder your retreat time with God. See tips for avoiding distractions in Quiet Time with God.

Resources for Retreat Time with God

The following article series can guide you on how to have a more fruitful extended time with God. Select an article series from the list below.

>> The Bible

>> Hope in Times of Crisis

>> Parables in the Gospel of Luke

>> Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs

>> New Perspectives for Life Change

>> Prayer Starter

>> The Lord’s Prayer Guide

>> Worship

>> Forever Loved: Jesus’ Life of Love

>> Habits for Greater Intimacy with God

>> Attitudes and Behavior

Join the Conversation

2 Comments

  1. Fico feliz em ter apoio e dicas de orientação para está mais próximo de Deus.
    porque tenho tido constantes ataques espirituais durante todo o dia e até a noite as vezes. mais graças a Deus seu amor e misericórdia o Espírito Santo tem me direcionado e por estas orientações tenho sido ajudada. Em nome de Jesus. amém

  2. Corrigindo o comentário a cima em 07 de Janeiro de 2021. às 13h29
    Tenho tido ataques espirituais diariamente ao invés de inclinações.
    Feliz em está me aproximando mais de Deus em nome de Jesus Senhor e salvador da minha alma.
    Obrigado meu Deus por existir. porque é grande em amor e misericórdia. Amém!

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