Use these refreshing eight bible verses about spiritual retreat to guide you as you plan your next getaway to relax and unwind undisturbed in peace and tranquillity. But, What does the Bible say about spiritual retreats? Mark 6:31 “And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.”
More than ever, people are turning to spiritual retreats as an escape route from the stresses of modern life. After all, a retreat can provide that rest, relaxation, and relief you may so desperately need.
That said, spiritual retreats as much as they allow time for rest and relaxation; fun, and enjoyment aren’t all there is to retreats, I’ll explain.
What is a spiritual retreat?
In simple words, a spiritual retreat is drawing back or withdrawing from the customary activities involving ministry into a place free from noise and pleasures to focus more on God or to create stronger bonds with others in the faith.
Spiritual retreats are about prayer
We all need a break from time to time, especially those who are actively involved in ministry, whether as a pastor, deacon, worship leader, musician, youth group leader, or in whatever compacity your function, you need a break. To reflect, refocus, meditate, introspect, and listen to what the Lord has to say in a peaceful, tranquil space.
Alone, quality time in prayer is vital for any saint and is the focal point in a spiritual retreat. It’s a time to seek God undisturbed and distracted; it’s like what David said in Psalm 42:1 “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?”
Here is another great example that emphasizes that prayer is the focal point in spiritual retreats, Luke 4:35-37 “And having risen up very early, still much in the night, He went out and departed into a solitary place, and there He was praying. And Simon and those with him went after Him. And having found Him, also they say to Him, “Everyone seeks You!.”
As you can see, Jesus took spiritual retreats to remain focused on the goal, build his life, and fellowship and talk to his father in a solitary place undisturbed. Jesus is our greatest God-like example to walk the earth, and if he practiced spiritual retreat, so must we.
A spiritual retreat is about looking at life from a perspective.
In addition to prayer, spiritual retreats are also a time for perspective. Too often, we can become so consumed by the ministry that we forget the one who called us to serve in the first place.
For this reason, consciously and deliberately setting aside time for focus by stepping outside your normal routine is one of the best things you can do to keep your walk fresh, sharp, and eyes focused on what God called you to do.
That said, let’s now look at a few insightful bible verses about spiritual retreats and how we can learn from these verses to apply to our lives, refocus, and deepen our walk with God. So without further ado, here are ten bible verses about spiritual retreats.
Bible Verses About Retreat
1. Psalm 119:114
“You’re my place of quiet retreat, and your wraparound presence becomes my shield as I wrap myself in your Word!” (TPT).
2. Mark 6:31
“And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.”
3. Mark 1:35
“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.”
4. Genesis 32:24-30
And Jacob was left alone, and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.
26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.
28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
29 And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.
30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.”
5. Matthew 14:23
“And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.”
6. John 6:15
“When Jesus, therefore, perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.”
7. Psalm 23:1-6
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
8. Galatians 1:13-18
“For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God and wasted it:
14 And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace,
16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me, but I went into Arabia and returned again unto Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.”
Final Word on Bible Verses About Spiritual Retreat
A spiritual retreat is not a spiritual vacation, as some may believe. Also, please note that when I say spiritual retreat I don’t mean taking time out to seek spiritual powers from sources other than God. I am a born-again believer who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ. That said, these bible verses on spiritual retreats are for those who have identified themselves with Jesus Christ.