A Space and A Time to Pray

Several years ago Ellen Krahn, a dear friend of mine began to open her home to women for a special place and a dedicated time to pray.  It has been a blessing to my heart.  The following is her description of her one day prayer retreats. .

Welcome…to your personal day of prayer! Thank you for choosing Living Grace Ministries for your day of prayer.
 What is a personal prayer retreat?

• Intentionally drawing aside form regular activities and demands on our life.
• Laying aside the good for the better
• Giving the Lord all of our attention
• Offering concentrated time to Jesus “The Lover of Our Soul”
• Seeking out a place of solitude to be alone with God

 Why have personal prayer retreats?

1. Seek God’s face and get to know Him better
2. Grow in personal relationship with God
3. Restore physically, spiritually and emotionally
4. Renew your mind
5. Learn how to hear His voice…become familiar with it
6. Ask for understanding, guidance, and wisdom regarding things in your life
7. Present prayer burdens to the Lord
8. Expand your capacity for increased prayer

     My own personal prayer retreat journey began during a week of prayer and fasting at my home church in 2002. I longed for a deeper intimacy with God; I wanted to be able to spend time in prayer for longer periods of time. Also, it was a time when I was seeking particular direction for my life.
    When I first started on my prayer journey, I couldn’t stay in prayer more than 5 minutes or so without my mind wandering to all the demands of life.  But I pursued and persisted and every Monday night I went to the church for 1 hour to be alone with God.  It took me an entire year before I could finally stay in prayer for an hour without my mind wandering off.  From there I moved to one full day to several days at a time.  Some of the most significant words from the Lord have come during my concentrated times of solitude with God.
 How to have a personal prayer retreat.
Let me share with you some of the things that I have learned through my own experience as well as things I have learned from others through study.  Things to include in your day of prayer:

• Read entire passages of scripture (start with something easy like the Psalms)
• Pray verses of scripture for yourself and others
• Listen to worship music
• Confession, repentance and thanksgiving are also important elements in your time with God.
• Nature walks…see the Creator and His majesty!
• Physical rest…have a sleep if you need to

 
    As I developed and grew in my prayer life, I took several days away at a time and included worship CDs, prayer walks, devotional books and fasting. Writing and journaling became a key part of my personal prayer time away.  It is important to chart the significant things you hear from God.
    There is no formula for a Prayer Retreat however there are prayer activities that most people include: praising God, confessing sin, thanking God, reading & praying through scripture, fasting, listening to worship music, reading devotional books, silence before God, walks, and rest.
    Most importantly whether you are just starting on your personal prayer journey or have done it for a long time be kind and gentle with yourself.  Don’t give up!!  Keep trying.
 
As you begin your day, you may find it helpful to write our your to do list and then set it aside so that your mind does not keep going back over all your responsibilities and demands
Prayer spaces I have created for you:

1. You have your own private space as much as possible (some limitations)
2. Each space is prepared to create an atmosphere of peace and quiet.
3. Each place has a comfy throw to wrap around your shoulders if you find it cool
4. Pillows for kneeling
5. Bed or couch to recline for resting
6. Water (coffee & tea in kitchen)
7. Light lunch will be provided at 12:00 (please let me know of any dietary restrictions)
8. My phones are off in the house so as to minimize any disturbances

    Even though this is my home, please make yourself comfortable…this is your time with God.
    There are five prayer locations in the house available for you to choose from.
My personal library is available to you both upstairs and downstairs.
If I can be of personal support to you throughout the day, please do not hesitate to ask.
    There are two guest bathrooms…one upstairs and one downstairs.
We will do a walk-through together so you can become familiar with my home.
    As part of the day, I will be sharing the Word with you as we start our day and also at lunch time before we break for the afternoon. The day will be concluded with together prayer.
    My prayer for you is that this day will be an incredible experience between you and the Jesus you love!!
    I look very much forward to having you here.  Come expecting!
 
Blessings!
 Ellen Krahn
Learn more at: https://livinggraceministries.ca/about/