“The glory of God is man fully alive.” – Irenaeus
“The soul was not made to run on empty.” – John Ortberg
Purpose of the Retreat
This retreat is an invitation to step away from noise and hurry so you can tend to the condition of your soul. The goal is not productivity, but presence. Not more information, but transformation. It’s a time to realign your inner life with the glory of God and rediscover peace in His presence.
Theme Verse
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
— Colossians 3:2
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
— Matthew 6:21
Overarching Focus
Glory and Solitude: Learning to rest in the glory of God by quieting the noise within and around you.
Key Questions:
How is the condition of my soul?
Am I becoming more discouraged or more at peace?
Am I becoming more irritated or more loving?
Spiritual Framework
Ortberg writes that the soul is like a stream of water, which gives strength, direction, and harmony to every area of life. When that stream is obstructed, everything downstream suffers.
This retreat helps you clear the stream—so that the Spirit can flow freely again.
Day 1 — Listening for the Condition of Your Soul
Morning: Arrival & Orientation
Silence your devices. Leave them off or on airplane mode.
Find a sacred space. It could be a cabin, monastery, park, or quiet room.
Prayer of Surrender:
“Lord, here I am. I am not here to achieve but to receive. Teach me to listen.”
Scripture Reading: Psalm 23, John 15:1–11, Matthew 11:28–30
Reflection Questions:
How is the condition of my soul—really?
What have I been avoiding emotionally or spiritually?
Where do I feel most weary, anxious, or hurried?
What has been irritating or discouraging me lately—and why?
Practice: The Soul Inventory
Take a walk or sit quietly with a journal.
Note:
Discouragement → Where have I lost sight of hope?
Irritation → Where am I trying to control outcomes or people?
Peace → When do I most feel the presence of God?
Love → Who or what is awakening love in me lately?
Evening: Rest and Reflection
Eat simply. No screens, no news, no music unless instrumental or sacred.
Scripture Reading: slowly through Psalm 42 or John 14:27.
Ask: What am I clinging to that cannot hold me?
Write: a prayer of confession and release.
“Put your treasure where stuff can’t touch it.”
(Reflect on Matthew 6:19–21 — what “stuff” has captured your treasure?)
Day 2 — Receiving the Love and Peace of God
Morning: Centering in Love
Begin in silence. Sit for 10–15 minutes with this prayer:
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a beloved child.”
Scripture Reading: Romans 8:31–39 and John 17:20–26.
Journal: What does it mean that God’s love is unshakable? How might I live as one who is already loved?
Practice: Love of God → Less Irritated
When love fills the soul, irritation loses power.
Write down moments where irritation has been ruling you.
Pray over each one: “Lord, replace irritation with love.”
Afternoon: Peace of God → Less Discouraged
When peace fills the soul, discouragement loses its grip.
Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:4–9.
Reflect: What am I anxious about?
Practice gratitude: list 10 ways God has shown up in your life recently.
Sit in silence, imagining handing your worries to Christ.
Evening: Glory and Return
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:18 — “We all, with unveiled faces, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory.”
Ask: What new awareness or freedom has come to my soul?
Write: a short “Rule of Life” for the next 30 days:
What practices will help me stay attuned to God’s love and peace?
How will I rest?
How will I listen?
How will I treasure what lasts?
Closing Prayer
“Father, let my soul be at rest in Your love.
Teach me to live from the deep place where Your peace abides.
Help me put my treasure where stuff can’t touch it.
And let Your glory be revealed in the quiet,
until my life reflects the beauty of Your Son. Amen.”
Suggested Reading During Retreat
The Me I Want to Be — John Ortberg
Invitation to Solitude and Silence — Ruth Haley Barton