3 Benefits of a Personal Retreat and How to Plan One

Have you ever just wanted to escape from everyone and everything? I’ve been there — many times. 

The society we live in has become so noisy and fast paced that sometimes it’s hard to even make sense of what’s happening in our inner world. 

This is why personal retreats are so powerful. They give you an opportunity to quieten the mind, connect with God, take care of yourself, put your life in order, and set your priorities straight. 

What is the purpose

A personal retreat is simply a time you set aside to get away from the noise of the world and focus your attention on God, primarily. It is one of the ways to cultivate a gentle and quiet spirit.

A personal retreat can be for a day, two days, or whatever length you want. It should be structured, but not too rigid either.

My Pastor once said that it is just like having a long devotion time. So whatever you do during your devotion, you can do it at your retreat for longer hours. 

Here are 3 benefits of a personal retreat. 

3 Benefits of a personal retreat

1. It recharges your physical, mental, and spiritual batteries

You’re probably familiar with the phrase, “ you can’t pour from an empty cup.” This is very true. 

A lot of women today, unfortunately, have been pouring from empty cups.

 It’s easy to get carried away by the high-speed of this world, but when we take time to retreat into the presence of God, He refills,  recharges, and reenergizes us. In Him alone, we can find true rest. 

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

2. It increases sensitivity to the voice of the Holy Spirit

When your environment is clean, quiet and interruption-free, you are able to hear the Holy Spirit much better. 

Some Christians think that God does not speak to them. The truth is, He is always speaking; we are the ones who are not always sensitive enough to hear.

A personal retreat allows us to get rid of the distractions in our lives, and connect with our maker on a deeper level. 

3. It provides mental and spiritual clarity

Another benefit is that it helps you get clarity. There was a season in my life where I was confused and didn’t know the next step to take in my journey. 

I decided to go on a personal retreat and while there, the Holy Spirit gave me an instruction which ended up changing my life — after I obeyed it. 

If you are feeling indecisive about a certain decision or you don’t know how to handle a particular situation in your life, then a personal retreat is what you need. 

How to plan one

Step 1: Identify your why

What is the purpose of your retreat? This is the first and most important question to ask yourself. Whether you’re seeking spiritual renewal, mental clarity, or simply a break from your daily routine, understanding your “why” will help guide the entire experience in the right direction.

Step 2: Find a location

It doesn’t have to be an expensive getaway; it can even take place in the comfort of your own home or within the same city. What matters most is creating an environment that is conducive to rest and relaxation, where you can truly unwind and recharge.

Step 3: Figure out the length

A retreat doesn’t have to be long; even a single day can be enough to reset and recharge. It’s not about the length of time, but the intentionality behind it.

Step 4: Set the date (s)

Once  you’ve figured out how long you want to have your retreat for, set the dates. If your retreat will not be in your home, then book it in advance.

Step 5: Plan your itinerary

This is very crucial. Planning your itinerary will help you use your time more effectively. Your plan should not be too rigid, but clear enough to give you direction. Your itinerary has to be in alignment with your why.

Step 5: Create a list of essential items to pack

Don’t bring too much with you. Some important things to carry with you include your Bible, notebook, toothpaste, etc…

Step 6: Allow room for the Holy Spirit to flow

Let the Holy Spirit guide you at your retreat. It’s good to plan, but also allow God to lead you.

Alright that’s all from me, enjoy your next retreat!

PEACE AND LOVE ♡