About that time Jesus went off to a mountain to pray, and he spent the whole night there.
Luke 6:12
Weekend retreats in the mountains with a group of men is something I would like to experience. Have you ever gone to a weekend retreats in the mountains?
I would like to take at least two men who are close friends and know what to expect. The rest can be men I know little or nothing about. We want to attract guys who truly need this kind of getaway but would not normally be interested in a prayer retreat. We can arrive on a Thursday evening, share dinner, learn a little about each other, PRAY together a little, and then get some sleep. On Friday morning, we can go over some Scriptures and then learn how to listen for God through Scriptures.
We can go for a walk or sit under a tree if they prefer just as long as they are comfortable and quiet and able to let their hearts be open to the Holy Spirit. We can share stories, emphasize the importance of honesty and humility before God and then encourage them to go out and try it.
On Friday evening, we have the opportunity to share with the group what happened and did not happen. I am sure we will hear something amazing. The three themes usually surface in the testimonies and often confessions from the men.
* An acknowledgement of an area in their lives God wants to improve.
* A true sense of forgiveness from God for where they have fallen short.
* A fresh vision and hope for the future.
This all takes place without a sermon or lecture. They get it directly from God.
Have you ever spent time before God, honestly laying yourself open to Him? When is the last time you did that and begged Him for transformation?
I encourage you to set aside the time. Find a place of silence and solitude. Consider fasting. And go have an extended talk with God.
I pray we will get to experience a weekend prayer retreat in the mountains with Jesus.
Jesus walked on a little way before he knelt down and prayed. Luke 22:41
After the stone had been rolled aside, Jesus looked up toward heaven and prayed, "Father, I thank you for answering my prayer. John 11:41
3 comments:
I have yet to go on a retreat on a mountaintop, but have been blessed immeasurably by retreats to more common places like hotels. :-)
Praise God that He is indeed faithful. We can be sure that the time we set aside for Him will be more than amply rewarded!
Thanks for the blog, D. We're working on the weekend deaf retreat in the mountains. Perhaps, we ought to go to Big Schloss west of 81. We had this MANO event there and it was awesome. However, it wasn't as spiritual as I wanted it to be but I'm sure the next time we go, it will be!
Dennis,
I just found your blog. Lot's of great reading. Keep up the good work. I hope you do get a chance to get alone with some men and God. Changed my life. I have one suggestion, don't use the word retreat. It implies that you're running away from something. Instead you should be "Advancing".
God Speed,
Brian
http://thegospelaccordingtojoeshmoe.blogspot.com
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