Bethel Retreat House

What should I expect when I'm on a retreat?

Emilie Griffin - Wilderness Time, A Guide for Spiritual Retreats

• Remember that Jesus Christ himself is leading you. He is your companion and guide, just ahead of you, encouraging you. He is breaking ground for you. There is nothing to fear.
• Take courage; have fun on the journey. The spiritual life is not supposed to be gloomy. You make your retreat with a high heart and light step. You dance your way into the kingdom with joy.
• When you meditate, consider the beatitudes. They're supposed to comfort you and make you happy. Revel in the positive power of the Sermon on the Mount. You are blessed when you mourn. You will be comforted. You are pure in heart; you will see God. You are meek; you will inherit the earth. You are blessed when you are persecuted. You are blessed.
• Remember all that all the grace of the kingdom is present in this very moment. Take heart. Rejoice.
• Be easy on yourself. Be as kind to you as the Lord himself, who loves you and knows how much you want to take his yoke upon your shoulders.
• Try little, short prayer times. Make them fun and creative.
• Dont try to move mountains. Let the Lord do that!
• Splash into the blessings of frequent Christian prayer; do cartwheels in the Spirit!
• Reduce and trim your expectations. Set aside any notions of conquest or achievement. Concentrate on ideas of comfort and entertain the idea of idleness as a way of being with God.
• Take naps. Lie down in green pastures. Drink in the blessings of Christian rest.
• Please the Lord by pleasing yourself. Arrange the day to suit yourself, and it will delight him. Do what restores and refreshes you; dont try hard over anything.
• Think of your retreat as a time to take it easy, with the easy yoke of Jesus Christ. Clown around in the spirit of Christian hope and happiness.

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