Group Listening Retreats
“We teach people to do the things that Jesus said to do.”
What is a Group Listening Retreat?
A Group Listening Retreat can be described as a time of immersion into God’s presence both individually and corporately. A time of Coram Deo. Coram Deo means “Before the face of God.” There will be time for you to be alone with God and time to be with Him in the context of His body. During the entire time, we will be helping you to listen for His voice. You have given yourself a gift of time and we know that God will return to you a gift of His word to you on this retreat.
How long is a Group Listening Retreat?
A typical group retreat starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 5:00 PM. But we can tailor it for your needs. Recently we did a group retreat with a family of four with two young boys. Because this was very new to the boys, the retreat was from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Composition of a Group Listening Retreat
A Group Listening Retreat is developed from some of the following elements:
- Common theme used throughout the day
- Teaching on and introduction to Listening Prayer
- Corporate laying down of burdens
- Meditations on the theme and a question for reflection
- Times of solitude and silence
- Drama sketch to re-enforce Listening principles
- Group sharing / Group Spiritual Direction
- Group listening
- Group prayer
- Lectio Divina (see definition of Lectio Divina in Introductory Guide to Listening Prayer)
- Worship
- Free time / rest time
Why Come on a Group Listening Retreat?
“The world gives itself up to incessant activity merely because it knows nothing better. The inspired man works among its whirring wheels also – but he knows whither the wheels are going. For he has found the center where all is stillness.”
“Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”
Our lives are so filled with incessant activity that we miss most of what God is saying to us. A Listening Retreat gives us an opportunity to stop, look and listen for every word that God speaks with the goal that when we return to our everyday lives, we can hear Him in the midst of the “whirring wheels”.
What should the Retreatant bring?
Bibles, notebooks (prayer journals), pens, comfortable shoes. Additional items that inspire you to draw closer to God (e.g. art supplies or musical instrument).
What should the Retreatant not bring?
Electronic devices or other reading materials
Who should come on a Group Listening Retreat?
Group Listening Retreats are ideal for ministry teams, elder boards, small groups, worship teams, faculty, and church staff.
How many can come on a Group Listening Retreat?
Group Listening Retreats vary in size. Usually a minimum of 8 works best for creating the right environment. A group retreat could consist of just a married couple. The maximum size is dependent upon the host site.
Where are the Group Retreats held
We have held Group Retreats in homes, churches, and retreat centers. For thirty years most of our retreats were held at the Center for Renewal in Simsbury. Let us know of your interest and we will connect you to a retreat site.