Spiritual Formation Sample Retreat

Consistent practice of the spiritual disciplines creates an environment in which the Holy Spirit can gently reshape and strengthen the spiritual life of the pastor, a process called Spiritual Formation.

Preparation:

Practical

• Seek as much privacy as you can, and put your current routine (and calls) on-hold.
• Mentally, travel away from your ‘work’ place to a favorite ‘rest’ place.
• Take a Bible, and leave your Pastor persona outside the door.
• Have available a favorite beverage or snack.
• Allow as much time for each element as possible.
  

Prayerful

• Ask God to blend His Spirit into the wholeness of your character.
• Don’t just seek God, anticipate Him.
  

Spiritual Discipline: Intimacy with the Lord

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13

READ - Slowly several times to master the obvious intellectual meaning.
Purpose - To inform the mind.

MEDITATE - Allow each scriptural element to speak to you through your imagination.
Purpose - To form your heart.

STOP! Do not allow this exercise to become a task. When moved by the Spirit, enjoy a favorite beverage or snack, take a walk, gaze out a window, or write a note to your spouse and tell her/him that you love them “more than yesterday but less than tomorrow.”

PRAY - Give the scripture back to Jesus as if He were in the room with you through: adoration, affirmation, confession, intercession, petition, or thanksgiving.
Purpose - Enter into personal intimacy with Christ.

CONTEMPLATE - Place yourself in the spirit of the scripture as little children intuitively seek the protective care of parents. With childlike curiosity and no expectations, linger in the discomfort of silence and receive what your natural self cannot discern. Return to the scripture whenever your mind wanders.
Purpose - Childlike openness to Christ’s care and purposes.

APPLICATION - Life application goal from what has been learned/discovered.
Purpose - To identify and agree with God’s Spiritual Formation of your life.

For a very short time, you did what Christ did by “retreating” from the world’s busyness, you received what God wants to generously give you,
Himself, in Word and Spirit. You also gave your love to someone. Before returning to the world, begin making plans for an extended, uninterrupted retreat experience by yourself or with your spouse and the Lord. Imagine
what will happen! Don’t wait.