For seekers on a spiritual path, this book provides 7 complete retreats, each exploring a pivotal component of classical spirituality. Designed for use by individuals going on private retreat, or by leaders of church retreats, each retreat provides thoughtful meditations, discussion questions, guidelines for use of time, and stimulating ideas for art, movement, ritual, journaling and creation of sacred space. Each retreat is a day-long format with ideas for extensions for a weekend retreat.
This beautifully written, insightful book takes readers through a variety of topics and practices of retreat. Whitcomb's simple and transparent wisdom is a gift for anyone seeking direction and content for: * personal or small group devotion and prayer * personal or group retreat at home or through a formal venue It also provides valuable context and inspiration for those seeking to lead retreat.
The book's greatest value, however, may be in its penetrating yet gentle conviction that contemplative practices can be integrated as a lifestyle rather than merely relegated to times of retreat. The invitation is to live a more whole, holy, healthy, and honoring life through simple spiritual disciplines integrated into our daily rhythms. These disciplines break into the frenetic intensity of a culture driven by busyness and consumeristic standards of success, allowing us to be more human, to connect, and to live out of our values.
Also worthy of note is Whitcomb's focus in at least one chapter on the development of vocation as an expression of identity and spiritual connectedness. This section alone is worth the price of admission and I highly recommend this book for anyone who is seeking God's direction and focus for their lives and their life-work.