Part 1: Corporate Contemplation, together we marvel and the glory of God

Part 2: Private Prayer, individually we encounter God

Part 3: Share, in pairs we share what God is working in our lives

Spiritual Retreat:
a gathering for prayer and praise

Part 1: Corporately Contemplating the love of God

In this first part we will sing and recite prayers together.

Sing: This is Our God

VERSE 1

Remember those walls that we called sin and shame?
They were like prisons that we couldn't escape
But He came, and He died, and He rose
Those walls are rubble now

Remember those giants we called death and grave?
They were like mountains that stood in our way
But He came, and He died, and He rose
Those giants are dead now

CHORUS

This is our God, this is who He is
He loves us
This is our God, this is what He does
He saves us
He bore the cross, beat the grave
Let Heaven and Earth proclaim
This is our God, King Jesus

VERSE 2

Remember that fear that took our breath away?
Faith so weak that we could barely pray
But He heard every word, every whisper

Now those altars in the wilderness
Tell the story of His faithfulness
Never once did He fail, and He never will

CHORUS

This is our God, this is who He is
He loves us
This is our God, this is what He does
He saves us
He bore the cross, beat the grave
Let Heaven and Earth proclaim
This is our God, King Jesus

BRIDGE

Who pulled me out of that pit? He did, He did
Who paid for all of our sin? Nobody but Jesus
Who pulled me out of that pit? He did, He did
Who paid for all of our sin? Nobody but Jesus
Who rescued me from that grave? Yahweh, Yahweh
Who gets the glory and praise? Nobody but Jesus
Who rescued me from that grave? Yahweh, Yahweh
Who gets the glory and praise? Nobody but Him

CHORUS

This is our God, this is who He is
He loves us
This is our God, this is what He does
He saves us
He bore the cross, beat the grave
Let Heaven and Earth proclaim
This is our God, King Jesus
He bore the cross, beat the grave
Let Heaven and Earth proclaim
This is our God, King Jesus

Oh, this is our God

Contemplative Prayer: Jesus you love me, and I love you

Sing: Good Good Father

Verse 1

I've heard a thousand stories
Of what they think You’re like
But I've heard the tender whisper
Of love in the dead of night
You tell me that You’re pleased
And that I'm never alone

Chorus

You're a Good Good Father
It's who You are
It's who You are
It's who You are
And I'm loved by You
It's who I am
It's who I am
It's who I am

Verse 2

I've seen many searching for answers
Far and wide
But I know we're all searching for answers
Only You provide
Because You know just what we need
Before we say a word

Bridge

You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways to us

Verse 3

Love so undeniable I can hardly speak
Peace so unexplainable I can hardly think
As You call me deeper still
As You call me deeper still
As You call me deeper still
Into love love love

Corporate Prayer: A Prayer of Glory and Worship

Based on Psalm 19 & Psalm 96

Leader:
O Lord our God, the heavens proclaim Your glory and the skies preach Your handiwork.

Congregation:
Your creation speaks every hour without words.
Day after day, it pours out the truth of who You are.
We join creation in declaring Your majesty.

Leader:
Your law is perfect, restoring our weary souls.

Congregation:
Your Word gives light to our eyes and wisdom to our hearts.
Your commands are sweeter than honey and more precious than gold.
Make our lives a living testimony to Your truth.

Leader:
Great are You, Lord, and greatly to be praised; You are worthy above all gods.

Congregation:
We bring You glory and strength; we give You the honor due Your name.
We come before You with joy because You reign over all creation.
Let all nations and all people hear of Your greatness.

Leader:
Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, for You judge the world with righteousness.

Congregation:
Establish Your justice, O Lord, and let Your mercy cover the earth.
Teach us to live as faithful witnesses of Your kingdom.
Make our worship reflect Your beauty and Your holiness.

Leader:
Who can discern their own errors? Cleanse us from hidden faults.

Congregation:
Guard our hearts from pride and keep us blameless in Your sight.
Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts
Be acceptable in Your presence, O Lord, our Rock and Redeemer.

Leader:
We lift our eyes to Your glory.

Congregation:
We lift our voices in praise.
We lift our lives as an offering.
And with all creation, we declare Your greatness—
O Lord our God, how great You are.

Sing: How Great Thou Art

[Verse 1]
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed

[Refrain]
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

[Verse 2]
When through the woods, and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze

[Refrain]
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

[Verse 3]
And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin

[Refrain]
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

[Verse 4]
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration
And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"

[Refrain]
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

Part Two: Pray the Fruit of the Spirit

In this part you will stay in the circle to pray through the first two questions, after that travel to any table to pray the subject there. You may stay at any table as long as you like. Don’t try to get to every table, we will conclude after 30 minutes.

Prayer Prompt 1:

What in your life is not how you would like it to be? Be honest, God already knows.

Prayer Prompt 2:

How is your life not like the life of Jesus?

Based on what you told God about these questions and His response, choose which stations you should go to.

  • John 13:1–17 (ESV)
    1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.” 12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

    Galatians 5:22 (ESV)
    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

    Psalm 103:8 (ESV)
    The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

    PRAYER PROMPT:

    God, where is my life lacking Your love? Who are You inviting me to love with the love of Jesus? goes here

  • Luke 10:21 (ESV)
    In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will."John 15:11 (ESV)
    These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

    Psalm 16:11 (ESV)
    You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

    Prayer Prompt

    God, why is my life lacking Your joy? What am I valuing more than You?

  • Mark 4:35–41 (ESV)
    On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side."...
    35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

    John 14:27 (ESV)
    Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

    Psalm 4:8 (ESV)
    In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

    Prayer Prompt

    God, why is my life lacking Your peace? What am I not trusting You with?

  • John 21:15–19 (ESV)
    When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?"...
    15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

    Colossians 3:12–13 (ESV)
    Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

    Psalm 40:1 (ESV)
    I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry.

    Prayer Prompt:

    God, where do I need to grow in patience? What situations am I rushing instead of trusting You?

  • Mark 1:40–42 (ESV)
    And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, "If you will, you can make me clean." Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, "I will; be clean." And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.

    Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)
    Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

    Psalm 117:2 (ESV)
    For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!

    Prayer Prompt

    God, where do I need to show kindness today? Who are You inviting me to see with Your compassionate heart?

  • Mark 6:34–44 (ESV)
    When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd...
    34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. 35 And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. 36 Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” 38 And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. 41 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. 42 And they all ate and were satisfied. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44 And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.

    Romans 12:21 (ESV)
    Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

    Psalm 23:6 (ESV)
    Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

    Prayer Prompt

    God, where are You calling me to do good? What actions can reflect Your goodness today?

  • Luke 9:51 (ESV)
    When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.

    2 Timothy 2:13 (ESV)
    If we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.

    Psalm 89:1 (ESV)
    I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.

    Prayer Prompt

    God, where am I lacking faithfulness? What sins or habits do I need to bring into the light with You?Item description

  • Mark 10:13–16 (ESV)
    And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them...
    13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

    Matthew 11:29 (ESV)
    Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

    Psalm 18:35 (ESV)
    You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great.

    Prayer Prompt:

    God, where do I need to grow in gentleness? Who needs to experience Your tenderness through me today?

  • Matthew 4:1–11 (ESV)
    Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil...
    1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” 11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.

    Titus 2:11–12 (ESV)
    For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.

    Psalm 141:3–4 (ESV)
    Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! Do not let my heart incline to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds...

    Prayer Prompt

    God, where do I need Your self-control? What desires, habits, or temptations do I need to surrender to You today?Item description

Part Three: share

Find someone you can trust, sit with them and pray for one another briefly. Then share which fruit(s) you spent time dwelling on. Each of you choose one to focus on and work through the questions below together.

Questions for reflection together:

1. Personal Reflection: Where have you recently seen the fruit you prayed about growing in your life, even in small ways?

2. Awareness of the Heart: Was there a moment today when you sensed resistance, discomfort, or defensiveness? What might that reveal?

3. Relational Reflection: Is there a relationship in which you need this fruit most right now?

4. Dependence on the Spirit: What aspect of this fruit feels impossible to produce on your own?

5. Embodied Practice: What would be a small, faithful next step?