With Jesus

Early this morning, at 6:30, I got a call from Rick in Africa. He knew I’d moved to Idaho earlier this year after a trip to the beach to pray about the prospect. So he asked how to encourage Nigerian pastors to go on prayer quests. It’s afternoon by now and he’s waiting for an answer.

First, what is a prayer retreat? Rick knows I don’t endorse the “disciplines”—speaking of the widespread efforts in self-made-godliness. I follow Martin Luther who wrote in 1517, “We do not become good by doing good things; but having been made good, we do good things” [in his Dispute Against Academic Religion]. Spiritual changes come from within. God, by his Holy Spirit uses his word to change hearts; and that, in turn, changes behaviors. We’re all heart-based souls, so any meaningful spiritual retreat should start in a heart devoted to be with Jesus.

Rick wasn’t put off. “You know what I mean. You always talk about going to ‘Hug Point’ on the Oregon coast to pray. What does that involve? How can I invite the pastors to adopt that sort of thing?” And what’s worse, he wanted me to write some “steps-to-take”—points for him to pass along. My call to let God do the leading wasn’t what he, as a seminar leader, could use.

Yet looking to God to do the motivating is crucial. In the New Testament Paul called readers to “keep in step with the Spirit.” And before that Jesus told Nicodemus he needed to be “born again” – or “born from above.” New life is the starting point for any useful prayer retreat.

So here’s my list. First, respond when Jesus calls us. Second, ask him to prepare our hearts. Third, ask him for his encouragement, aims, and for insights in how we can grow. Fourth, read the Bible with an open heart. Then keep reading. Then read some more. Take a nap if that’s helpful. It’s key to be in a sheltered setting, separate from others, and without an active phone. Hug Point works for me. Finally, go home and keep an active heart—perhaps by praising and singing. Or by debriefing if someone came with you.

The big point is this: Jesus wants us to be “with” him. To be with him in ways we’re with others we love. So don’t look for odd experiences, feelings, or drama. Instead look for communion with him. The Bible speaks of this as “abiding.” So a possible place to start might be to read all of John’s gospel in about two hours, and mark every place where Jesus speaks to his followers about abiding. And pray, asking him for advice as you open your heart. This is a private time.

What I don’t suggest is to make a retreat like this into an effort to “harness” God to get some benefits from him. Or for a group event that pushes him aside. Don’t chase a “feeling” or look for “treasure” verses. Instead come with one request: “Lord, please give me eyes to see, ears to hear, and a courageous heart to follow you. Please show me more of you and your love.”

Verses to keep in mind are Ephesians 2:8-10. We’re all saved by God’s grace, and not by our own efforts, and he made us with his aims in view—the “good works” he “prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Very clear and simple. Be sure to allow stillness during your retreat time in order for him to whisper in your heart as part of that process. When we seek to be “with Jesus” he will also be using that time to be with us.

One final reminder. As you get started be sure to repent. Our human instinct is to live as if we can shape or reshape our own lives. But that’s fantasy, an effort to take over God’s role. Instead, leave it to God to review and change our hearts and ways. This is what Daniel did in chapter nine of his book, as he responded to Jeremiah. And what we’re called to in Psalm 139.