By Bill Gaultiere © 2010
One of the favorite things that Kristi and I do is to lead Soul Shepherding retreats for people – especially for pastors, leaders, and others who are active in ministry. What refreshment and empowerment for life and ministry comes when we step away from our normal responsibilities and routines to connect with Christ and one another in a special way!
On retreats we weave together teaching on the spiritual life, guided meditation on Scripture and prayer, solitude, and soul talk. We do this in monasteries, retreat centers, churches, parks, and even in homes. But one thing is always the same: we ask Jesus to be our Retreat Director. Our role is to assist him, to help people respond to him.
You can also take a spiritual retreat by yourself, takin an extended time of silence and solitude with Jesus. Often people ask us how to get started. The short answer is: start small, don’t try to do too much, and focus on doing something you enjoy with Jesus, your Best Friend.
Perhaps one or more of these retreat resources that we use personally and with groups we lead will help you in a personal time of solitude or if you’re leading a retreat for others…
Retreat Preparation
Suggestions for Solitude with Jesus
Exercises You Can Use on Retreat
Lectio Divina Scripture Passages
Praying a Psalm in its Nature Setting
Smile, Play, and Laugh with Jesus (Gospel stories and pictures to meditate on)
Visualizing yourself with Christ in Scripture (Pictures and meditations from Psalm 18)
Walk with Jesus in Psalm 23 (with links to many other Psalm 23 Retreat resources)
Walk with Jesus to Bible Statues
May the Lord Jesus draw you into his deep rest of soul as you set aside some special time to be with him.
The Soul Shepherding website and resources are provided by tax-deductible donations from people like you. Everyday hundreds of people use these prayers, meditations, and articles for their personal devotions and in their ministry to others.
Bill Gaultiere, Ph.D. & Kristi Gaultiere, Psy.D. ~ http://www.soulshepherding.org
