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Invitation to Retreat: The Gift and Necessity of Time Away with God
"Come away and rest awhile." Jesus invites us to be with him, offering our full and undivided attention to him. When we choose retreat we make a generous investment in our friendship with Christ. Truth is, we are not always generous with ourselves where God is concerned. Many of us have done well to incorporate regular times of solitude and silence into the rhythm of our ordinary lives which means we've gotten pretty good at giving God twenty minutes here and a half an hour there. And there's no question we are better for it! But we need more. Indeed, we long for more. In these pages Transforming Center founder and seasoned spiritual director, Ruth Haley Barton, gently and eloquently leads us into an exploration of retreat as a key practice that opens us to God. Based on her own practice and her experience leading hundreds of retreats for others, she will guide you in a very personal exploration of seven specific invitations contained within the general invitation to retreat. You will discover how to say yes to God's winsome invitation to greater freedom and surrender. There has never been a time when the invitation to retreat is so radical and so relevant, so needed and so welcome. It is not a luxury, but a necessity of the spiritual life.
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First published January 1, 2018
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About the author
Ruth Haley Barton
48 books274 followersRuth Haley Barton (Doctor of Divinity, Northern Seminary) is founding president/CEO of the Transforming Center, a ministry dedicated to strengthening the souls of pastors and Christian leaders, and the congregations and organizations they serve. For over twenty years, she has ministered to the soul care needs of pastors and leaders based upon her conviction that the best thing we bring to leadership is our own transforming selves. Trained at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation and the Institute for Pastoral Studies Loyola University Chicago, Ruth is a seasoned retreat leader and spiritual director. A sought-after speaker and preacher, she has served on the pastoral staff of several churches and teaches frequently at seminaries and graduate schools. Ruth is the author of numerous books and resources on the spiritual life, including Invitation to Solitude and Silence, Sacred Rhythms, Longing for More, Pursuing God's Will Together, and Life Together in Christ. She continues to share her thoughts and perspectives on soulful leadership through an online resource called eReflections as well as a podcast entitled Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
May 20, 2019
Each year I go on a week-long beach trip with dear friends. We call it Beach Retreat, because the aim is to decompress, think, pray, read, journal, talk, stare at the ocean, and reconnect with God. We’ve read a few other books by Ruth Haley Barton, so when this one released in November 2018, I knew it would be my pick for Beach Retreat 2019.
“Retreat as a spiritual practice... is coming home to ourselves in God’s presence and resting there.”
Invitation to Retreat was everything I needed for the week, full of deep and probing questions to help you discover the State of Your Soul. It was a solid first step in coming home to myself—the one I’ve been avoiding the past few months—to rest in God’s presence.
“Retreat as a spiritual practice... is coming home to ourselves in God’s presence and resting there.”
Invitation to Retreat was everything I needed for the week, full of deep and probing questions to help you discover the State of Your Soul. It was a solid first step in coming home to myself—the one I’ve been avoiding the past few months—to rest in God’s presence.
September 5, 2018
Summary: A guide to retreat as a spiritual practice exploring why retreat, preparing for retreat, helpful practices on retreat, and concluding our retreat and returning from (and to) retreat.
Jesus gives a startling invitation to his disciples in Mark 6:30-31. He said, "Come away to a deserted place...and rest a while." Wouldn't you love an invitation like that? Ruth Haley Barton proposes in this book that this is an invitation Jesus extends to each and every one of us. She encourages us to embrace retreat as a formational practice. She explains what she means as follows:
Retreat in the context of the spiritual life is an extended time apart for the purpose of being with God and giving God our full and undivided attention; it is, as Emilie Griffin puts it, “a generous commitment to our friendship with God.” The emphasis is on the words extended and generous. Truth is, we are not always generous with ourselves where God is concerned. Many of us have done well to incorporate regular times of solitude and silence into the rhythm of our ordinary lives, which means we’ve gotten pretty good at giving God twenty minutes here and half an hour there. And there’s no question we are better for it!
But many of us are longing for more—and we have a sense that there is more if we could create more space for quiet to give attention to God at the center of our beings. We sense that a kind of fullness and satisfaction is discovered more in the silence than in the words, more in solitude than in socializing, more in spaciousness than in busyness. “Times come,” Emilie Griffin goes on to say, “when we yearn for more of God than our schedules will allow. We are tired, we are crushed, we are crowded by friends and acquaintances, commitments and obligations. The life of grace is abounding, but we are too busy for it. Even good obligations begin to hem us in.
Barton goes on in this book to offer extensive practical help in various aspects of taking retreats, from preparing to retreat and facing our exhaustion (including encouraging us to sleep until we naturally awaken on retreat if possible). She addresses the rhythms of retreat and even offers a suggested daily schedule. She gives help on prayer during the retreat including fixed hour prayers. She addresses the challenge of letting go, unplugging and the deeper issue of relinquishing our false-self patterns. For those familiar with the Enneagram, she suggests particular false-self patterns we may relinquish for each Enneagram type. She discusses the chance retreat gives us for discernment, for paying attention to our life situation and how God may be leading. There is practical help for re-entering our lives.
Throughout, Barton relates personal experiences in retreat, discussions with spiritual directors, insights as she reflects on scriptures, her own practices, including taking time to exercise during retreats (something I'm inclined to forget!), and some of her personal compulsions and how retreat has been an important factor in God's transformative work in her life. Each chapter concludes with a "Practicing Retreat" page with questions we may use in preparing for or engaging in our retreat. Three "interludes" break up the content with poetry for reflection and prayer. Appendices offer a form of fixed hour prayers and practical considerations such as choosing a retreat location, our intention, and even what to pack.
This is a slim book is full of wisdom and practical insights like the following:
"Many of us are wasting our life's energy fighting for things that aren't that important in the whole scheme of things. There are times when the quiet of retreat is the only way we will be able to discern well what battle we should be engaging and how."
As I husband energies that wane with age, I can't afford to waste them on unimportant battles. Mercifully, Jesus invites me to come away with Him. Barton's book reminded me of that pending invitation. It is one I will turn to as I prepare for retreat. And its convenient size makes it the perfect book to pack, to hold, to use in reflection, on retreat.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Jesus gives a startling invitation to his disciples in Mark 6:30-31. He said, "Come away to a deserted place...and rest a while." Wouldn't you love an invitation like that? Ruth Haley Barton proposes in this book that this is an invitation Jesus extends to each and every one of us. She encourages us to embrace retreat as a formational practice. She explains what she means as follows:
Retreat in the context of the spiritual life is an extended time apart for the purpose of being with God and giving God our full and undivided attention; it is, as Emilie Griffin puts it, “a generous commitment to our friendship with God.” The emphasis is on the words extended and generous. Truth is, we are not always generous with ourselves where God is concerned. Many of us have done well to incorporate regular times of solitude and silence into the rhythm of our ordinary lives, which means we’ve gotten pretty good at giving God twenty minutes here and half an hour there. And there’s no question we are better for it!
But many of us are longing for more—and we have a sense that there is more if we could create more space for quiet to give attention to God at the center of our beings. We sense that a kind of fullness and satisfaction is discovered more in the silence than in the words, more in solitude than in socializing, more in spaciousness than in busyness. “Times come,” Emilie Griffin goes on to say, “when we yearn for more of God than our schedules will allow. We are tired, we are crushed, we are crowded by friends and acquaintances, commitments and obligations. The life of grace is abounding, but we are too busy for it. Even good obligations begin to hem us in.
Barton goes on in this book to offer extensive practical help in various aspects of taking retreats, from preparing to retreat and facing our exhaustion (including encouraging us to sleep until we naturally awaken on retreat if possible). She addresses the rhythms of retreat and even offers a suggested daily schedule. She gives help on prayer during the retreat including fixed hour prayers. She addresses the challenge of letting go, unplugging and the deeper issue of relinquishing our false-self patterns. For those familiar with the Enneagram, she suggests particular false-self patterns we may relinquish for each Enneagram type. She discusses the chance retreat gives us for discernment, for paying attention to our life situation and how God may be leading. There is practical help for re-entering our lives.
Throughout, Barton relates personal experiences in retreat, discussions with spiritual directors, insights as she reflects on scriptures, her own practices, including taking time to exercise during retreats (something I'm inclined to forget!), and some of her personal compulsions and how retreat has been an important factor in God's transformative work in her life. Each chapter concludes with a "Practicing Retreat" page with questions we may use in preparing for or engaging in our retreat. Three "interludes" break up the content with poetry for reflection and prayer. Appendices offer a form of fixed hour prayers and practical considerations such as choosing a retreat location, our intention, and even what to pack.
This is a slim book is full of wisdom and practical insights like the following:
"Many of us are wasting our life's energy fighting for things that aren't that important in the whole scheme of things. There are times when the quiet of retreat is the only way we will be able to discern well what battle we should be engaging and how."
As I husband energies that wane with age, I can't afford to waste them on unimportant battles. Mercifully, Jesus invites me to come away with Him. Barton's book reminded me of that pending invitation. It is one I will turn to as I prepare for retreat. And its convenient size makes it the perfect book to pack, to hold, to use in reflection, on retreat.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
November 21, 2023
My second time through this book (skimming and skipping some parts this time) while on a retreat. Very helpful, especially the many thought-provoking questions and suggestions for practices while on retreat.
August 1, 2024
A week away with this book truly was a retreat. Practical points of encouragement throughout. I'll be referring back to it frequently to keep my bearings in a busy, demanding world.
March 17, 2021
Very thorough and helpful in thinking through a spiritual retreat. Includes suggestions of ways to retreat and what to do--and not do--on retreat.
August 30, 2018
Many of us know the importance of going away on a retreat. Many don't know what to do with it. In fact, going away for a vacation may very well a busy and stressful time. Leisure time is not a retreat. Entertainment options are not necessarily the right ingredients for rest. Taking a summer break cannot be equated to a retreat. Until we learn to deal with the inner restlessness in each of us, we will continue to be addicted to the twin buddies of busyness and exhaustion. Everywhere we go, people are either busy doing something or take pride in being busy. At the end of the day, they get tired which affects everything else. In a culture infatuated with a 24/7 always available mindset, we become enslaved to external stimulants like the ping on our cell-phones or social media prompts. Some turn to alcohol or drugs to escape from the spinning world of problems and non-stop challenges. Even on leisure Sundays or vacation days, we don't really know what to do with our time, save for more activities that feed the restless soul in us. Dallas Willard says it well about setting a time intentionally to retreat from our usual stuff: "If you don't come apart for a while, you will come apart after a while." Retreat leader and popular speaker Ruth Haley Barton invites us to a time away from our everyday activities to go to a quiet place to discover ourselves and to experience God. This spiritual guide helps us not only to plan for a retreat, it offers us what to do and what not to do during a retreat. If we don't address the restlessness in each of us, any activity, including a retreat, may become another occasion for work and busyness. Quoting Emilie Griffin, a retreat is essentially a "generous commitment to our friendship with God." Beautifully put. Yes! A retreat is not something that we do for God or something we plan to do in the Name of Jesus. It is about that personal time with God and seeking to know more of the One we want to serve. A retreat is about doing something different from what we are used to do. It is about making that space with God and enjoying it. It means being generous with our time with God, and not just a pittance number of minutes we deem "devotional time." A retreat is very much counter-cultural. Barton highlights several Rs for us to get a fuller picture.
Rest from our usual work
Renewal of purpose
Relinquish things that we hold on too dearly in life
Rhythms to be aware of
Replenishing our spent selves
Recognizing and Responding to God's Presence
Recalibrating ourselves
Reengaging with God,
and so on...
What is really helpful is how the author points out the sources of our exhaustion. We often work ourselves to death, addicted to the "shoulds and woulds" of our restlessness. We find it hard to receive help from others or to ask for help. We go beyond who we really are, projecting an artificiality that we like but not our authenticity. We carry unhealed wounds and lack boundaries. Barton helps us respond meaningfully to each symptom through questions, reflections, and wise thoughts.
Even the book itself comprises several interludes in between chapters. There is a progression in the 3-part retreat framework. The first part is to establish a rhythm of retreat. We are creatures of movement. Going on a retreat is to find that rhythm, our rhythms. In fact, it is about designing an alternative rhythm that we can truly find ourselves restful. Whether it is fixed hours of prayer or community times; celebrating the Eucharist or seeing a spiritual director at stated times, we recognize that we need a way to keep the main thing the main thing. We need to find our priorities. We need to locate our center. Barton skillfully shows us the possible emotions that can appear. Emotions such as recognizing how tired or how broken we are. In creating time for God and with God, we discover our need for the Divine God. We are also advised not to overplan our retreat. Sometimes, it is better to simply sleep whatever we can and to pray. Fixed hour prayers form a core part of a spiritual retreat. This is because it helps us transcends beyond our own limitations. It increases our discernment. We learn from Jesus to let go. We are also reminded not to be deceived by "false-self patterns" primarily through our tendency to let our roles and titles define our identity. A good retreat exercise would be to learn to see our primary identity and calling in Christ alone.
Part Two of the book goes into the specifics of creating space for God. After all, that is precisely what a spiritual retreat ought to be. It is not humanistic retreat but a time and space specifically set aside to commune with God. we use silence to discern the movements of God. We learn to see God in the ordinary. We learn the art of not letting chaos and busyness cloud our priorities. We discover more of the love of God and that it is fine to let go and let God. Through a process of recalibration and renewing our spiritual freedom, we enter into that sacred time of rest and contentment in God. It would be a shame if all the rest and contentment vanishes the moment we return to the world. Part Three helps us to maintain that earnestly discovered rhythms and recalibrated spirituality. We remember the purpose of retreat: "to become more deeply grounded in God as the ultimate orienting reality of our lives, and to return to the life God has given us with renewed strength, vitality, and clarity about how we are called to be in God for the world."
My Thoughts
First, a retreat is very much about Invitations. We cannot force it into ourselves. It is about willing hearts and open hands. Willing to give up our regular activities in order to move into a different set of rhythms. Invitation leaves it up to us to decide whether we want to go for a retreat at all. Jesus who said to us in Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." It is an invitation to go to God who promises to give us respite from the world and rest in Him alone. It is important not to turn a retreat into another busy set of spiritual activities. That would defeat the purpose of a retreat altogether. I have seen many ministry peers doing exactly that, not knowing the different between a retreat, a camp, or a conference. That is why people burn out quite easily and quickly. This invitation is also something we can do on our own. We can invite ourselves to a retreat.
Second, everything needs an Interlude, even a retreat period. Interludes help us space out of various stages in ways to help us see the big picture. Like the gaps that we see on bridges, which expands or contract according to the hot or cold weather, we need to give space for ourselves to adapt to changing spiritual climate in us. If not, we could buckle under pressure. We may become frozen into inaction. I like the use of poems, prayers, and short verses to help pace ourselves in between phases. This not only slows us down, especially fast readers, it also encourages us to develop a pattern of contemplation and reflection.
Finally, for all the suggested methods in the book, we need to establish our own retreat rhythms. Barton's book is an introduction to what we could do. However, a true retreat is something that is most meaningful between God and us. There is a time in which we have community sessions. There is a time for group prayers and set period of togetherness. In a personal retreat, we need to discover what works best for us, and in the process discover ourselves and our calling in God. This book is a must have for anyone contemplating a personal retreat or planning one for others.
Ruth Haley Barton is spiritual director and popular teacher of spiritual formation and author of numerous books on spirituality. She is also adjunct professor of Spiritual Transformation at Northern Seminary.
Rating: 5 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of InterVarsity Press and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
Rest from our usual work
Renewal of purpose
Relinquish things that we hold on too dearly in life
Rhythms to be aware of
Replenishing our spent selves
Recognizing and Responding to God's Presence
Recalibrating ourselves
Reengaging with God,
and so on...
What is really helpful is how the author points out the sources of our exhaustion. We often work ourselves to death, addicted to the "shoulds and woulds" of our restlessness. We find it hard to receive help from others or to ask for help. We go beyond who we really are, projecting an artificiality that we like but not our authenticity. We carry unhealed wounds and lack boundaries. Barton helps us respond meaningfully to each symptom through questions, reflections, and wise thoughts.
Even the book itself comprises several interludes in between chapters. There is a progression in the 3-part retreat framework. The first part is to establish a rhythm of retreat. We are creatures of movement. Going on a retreat is to find that rhythm, our rhythms. In fact, it is about designing an alternative rhythm that we can truly find ourselves restful. Whether it is fixed hours of prayer or community times; celebrating the Eucharist or seeing a spiritual director at stated times, we recognize that we need a way to keep the main thing the main thing. We need to find our priorities. We need to locate our center. Barton skillfully shows us the possible emotions that can appear. Emotions such as recognizing how tired or how broken we are. In creating time for God and with God, we discover our need for the Divine God. We are also advised not to overplan our retreat. Sometimes, it is better to simply sleep whatever we can and to pray. Fixed hour prayers form a core part of a spiritual retreat. This is because it helps us transcends beyond our own limitations. It increases our discernment. We learn from Jesus to let go. We are also reminded not to be deceived by "false-self patterns" primarily through our tendency to let our roles and titles define our identity. A good retreat exercise would be to learn to see our primary identity and calling in Christ alone.
Part Two of the book goes into the specifics of creating space for God. After all, that is precisely what a spiritual retreat ought to be. It is not humanistic retreat but a time and space specifically set aside to commune with God. we use silence to discern the movements of God. We learn to see God in the ordinary. We learn the art of not letting chaos and busyness cloud our priorities. We discover more of the love of God and that it is fine to let go and let God. Through a process of recalibration and renewing our spiritual freedom, we enter into that sacred time of rest and contentment in God. It would be a shame if all the rest and contentment vanishes the moment we return to the world. Part Three helps us to maintain that earnestly discovered rhythms and recalibrated spirituality. We remember the purpose of retreat: "to become more deeply grounded in God as the ultimate orienting reality of our lives, and to return to the life God has given us with renewed strength, vitality, and clarity about how we are called to be in God for the world."
My Thoughts
First, a retreat is very much about Invitations. We cannot force it into ourselves. It is about willing hearts and open hands. Willing to give up our regular activities in order to move into a different set of rhythms. Invitation leaves it up to us to decide whether we want to go for a retreat at all. Jesus who said to us in Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." It is an invitation to go to God who promises to give us respite from the world and rest in Him alone. It is important not to turn a retreat into another busy set of spiritual activities. That would defeat the purpose of a retreat altogether. I have seen many ministry peers doing exactly that, not knowing the different between a retreat, a camp, or a conference. That is why people burn out quite easily and quickly. This invitation is also something we can do on our own. We can invite ourselves to a retreat.
Second, everything needs an Interlude, even a retreat period. Interludes help us space out of various stages in ways to help us see the big picture. Like the gaps that we see on bridges, which expands or contract according to the hot or cold weather, we need to give space for ourselves to adapt to changing spiritual climate in us. If not, we could buckle under pressure. We may become frozen into inaction. I like the use of poems, prayers, and short verses to help pace ourselves in between phases. This not only slows us down, especially fast readers, it also encourages us to develop a pattern of contemplation and reflection.
Finally, for all the suggested methods in the book, we need to establish our own retreat rhythms. Barton's book is an introduction to what we could do. However, a true retreat is something that is most meaningful between God and us. There is a time in which we have community sessions. There is a time for group prayers and set period of togetherness. In a personal retreat, we need to discover what works best for us, and in the process discover ourselves and our calling in God. This book is a must have for anyone contemplating a personal retreat or planning one for others.
Ruth Haley Barton is spiritual director and popular teacher of spiritual formation and author of numerous books on spirituality. She is also adjunct professor of Spiritual Transformation at Northern Seminary.
Rating: 5 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of InterVarsity Press and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
September 5, 2018
"The purpose of retreat is always twofold: to become more deeply grounded in God as the ultimate orienting reality of our lives, and to return to the life God has given us with renewed strength, vitality, and clarity about how we are called to be in God for the world."
Ruth Haley Barton is one of those authors that when I see she has a new book out, I am adding it to the top of my to read list. Every time I read one of her books, I walk away with new insights on life, refreshed, and as if I have sat down with my own spiritual director. So when I had the opportunity and review her newest book An Invitation to Retreat I jumped at the chance.
I found this book the be a great introduction to retreats, particularly planning your own personal retreat. It had resources for both preparation and while retreating. And though I have been on many retreats myself, I found it to be a useful resource for those more seasoned as well. I loved this book so much that upon finishing it I knew God was calling me to go away on my own personal retreat. So much so that almost immediately I booked two nights at my local camp and used this resource to plan my time away. If you are looking to retreat or wondering more about taking time away, I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
"The practice of retreat means we are fashioning a wilderness within that is always available and we can always return to. “To live a spiritual life we must first find the courage to enter into the desert of our loneliness and to change it by gentle and persistent efforts into a garden of solitude.”"
I was provided a copy of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Ruth Haley Barton is one of those authors that when I see she has a new book out, I am adding it to the top of my to read list. Every time I read one of her books, I walk away with new insights on life, refreshed, and as if I have sat down with my own spiritual director. So when I had the opportunity and review her newest book An Invitation to Retreat I jumped at the chance.
I found this book the be a great introduction to retreats, particularly planning your own personal retreat. It had resources for both preparation and while retreating. And though I have been on many retreats myself, I found it to be a useful resource for those more seasoned as well. I loved this book so much that upon finishing it I knew God was calling me to go away on my own personal retreat. So much so that almost immediately I booked two nights at my local camp and used this resource to plan my time away. If you are looking to retreat or wondering more about taking time away, I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
"The practice of retreat means we are fashioning a wilderness within that is always available and we can always return to. “To live a spiritual life we must first find the courage to enter into the desert of our loneliness and to change it by gentle and persistent efforts into a garden of solitude.”"
I was provided a copy of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
February 15, 2019
As someone who regularly leads others into spiritual retreats I have been eagerly awaiting my copy of Ruth Haley Barton’s Invitation to Retreat and it did not in any way disappoint. Barton gives not only a solid background for why we should practice spiritual retreat, but she gives one of the most practical and detailed explorations of the different invitations that can be part of a retreat. Alongside these invitations she offers “priming” questions for those who may be considering retreat and “practicing” questions for you to take on your retreat. In fact, I think one of the strengths of this book is that it is easily engaged with for both those considering retreat and for those practicing retreat.
Even having read many books on retreat I found this book to be impactful in my own spiritual walk and I believe it will be a valuable resource for anyone as they seek to grow in their life with God. I’ve already ordered a hard copy for my library and I would recommend it to you.
I received a free digital copy of this book for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Even having read many books on retreat I found this book to be impactful in my own spiritual walk and I believe it will be a valuable resource for anyone as they seek to grow in their life with God. I’ve already ordered a hard copy for my library and I would recommend it to you.
I received a free digital copy of this book for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 23, 2024
In "Invitation to Retreat," Ruth Haley Barton extends a compelling invitation to embrace the practice of retreat as a means of deepening one's spiritual life amidst the busyness of modern existence. Drawing from her own experiences and insights as a spiritual director and retreat leader, Barton offers a refreshing perspective on the transformative power of intentional withdrawal for spiritual renewal.
Barton's thesis revolves around the idea that retreat is not merely a luxury for the spiritually elite but a vital practice for anyone seeking authentic connection with God. She contends that retreat is an essential component of the Christian journey, providing a sacred space for encountering God's presence, discerning His will, and nurturing the soul.
Throughout the book, Barton grounds her arguments in biblical principles and the rich tradition of Christian spirituality. She explores the retreat practices of Jesus himself, as well as figures from church history, demonstrating how intentional times of withdrawal have long been integral to the faith journey. Drawing from the wisdom of spiritual classics and her own encounters with retreat, Barton provides practical guidance and encouragement for readers desiring to embark on their own retreat journeys.
"Invitation to Retreat" unfolds in a gentle and inviting manner, with Barton guiding readers through the various stages of retreat preparation, engagement, and reflection. She addresses common obstacles to retreat, such as busyness and distractions, offering helpful strategies for overcoming these barriers. Barton also emphasizes the importance of cultivating a posture of receptivity and openness to God's presence during retreat, allowing Him to speak and work in transformative ways.
Barton's writing is marked by a blend of wisdom, vulnerability, and authenticity. She acknowledges the challenges and resistance that often accompany the practice of retreat while gently challenging readers to consider the deeper longings of their souls. While some may find her approach overly idealistic or impractical, Barton effectively balances spiritual insight with practical guidance, making retreat accessible to readers of varying backgrounds and experiences.
"Invitation to Retreat" is a timely and poignant reminder of the restorative power of retreat in an increasingly frenetic world. Barton's invitation beckons readers to step away from the noise and chaos of life, to enter into sacred space with God, and to emerge refreshed, renewed, and reoriented towards His purposes. This book is essential reading for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual journey and cultivate a vibrant, life-giving relationship with God.
Barton's thesis revolves around the idea that retreat is not merely a luxury for the spiritually elite but a vital practice for anyone seeking authentic connection with God. She contends that retreat is an essential component of the Christian journey, providing a sacred space for encountering God's presence, discerning His will, and nurturing the soul.
Throughout the book, Barton grounds her arguments in biblical principles and the rich tradition of Christian spirituality. She explores the retreat practices of Jesus himself, as well as figures from church history, demonstrating how intentional times of withdrawal have long been integral to the faith journey. Drawing from the wisdom of spiritual classics and her own encounters with retreat, Barton provides practical guidance and encouragement for readers desiring to embark on their own retreat journeys.
"Invitation to Retreat" unfolds in a gentle and inviting manner, with Barton guiding readers through the various stages of retreat preparation, engagement, and reflection. She addresses common obstacles to retreat, such as busyness and distractions, offering helpful strategies for overcoming these barriers. Barton also emphasizes the importance of cultivating a posture of receptivity and openness to God's presence during retreat, allowing Him to speak and work in transformative ways.
Barton's writing is marked by a blend of wisdom, vulnerability, and authenticity. She acknowledges the challenges and resistance that often accompany the practice of retreat while gently challenging readers to consider the deeper longings of their souls. While some may find her approach overly idealistic or impractical, Barton effectively balances spiritual insight with practical guidance, making retreat accessible to readers of varying backgrounds and experiences.
"Invitation to Retreat" is a timely and poignant reminder of the restorative power of retreat in an increasingly frenetic world. Barton's invitation beckons readers to step away from the noise and chaos of life, to enter into sacred space with God, and to emerge refreshed, renewed, and reoriented towards His purposes. This book is essential reading for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual journey and cultivate a vibrant, life-giving relationship with God.
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September 19, 2018Take a step back and invest into your relationship with God
Ruth Haley Barton is the founder of a Transformation Center and a spiritual director. She presents the book "Invitation to Retreat: The Gift and Necessity of Time Away with God" that deals with spiritual growth, rest, spirituality, and spiritual practice. Her goal is to incorporate regular times of solitude and silence into the rhythm of the ordinary life, a habit that is not so common to those of a protestant church background. In reality the book is useful for Christian of every background (Evangelicals, Roman Catholics, Lutherans, ...). According to Barton it is important to have extended times alone with God in order to give Him our complete attention which is not always easy in our current time or society where we can be reached and are connected to media nearly all the time. Barton shows the reader the need for strategic withdrawal as well as the sources of exhaustion before touching the topics of "Finding Your Rhythm on Retreat", "Sweet Hours of Prayer", "Letting Go of Your Grip", "Relinquishing False-Self Patterns", "Space for Discernment", "Invitation to Recalibrate", "Finding Spiritual Freedom", . . . In the appendices she includes help for the "Fixed-Hour Prayer" and for "Planning Your Retreat". It is important that the reader does not forget that the importance does not only lay in the human - the ultimate goal is to worship God.
I highly recommend this book for those who really long to take a step back in their busy lives and plan to invest themselves with their time in their relationships with God. I plan to buy myself a printed copy of the book in order to be able to work in and with it in my personal life and plans to spent time on a spiritual retreat.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#InvitationToRetreat #NetGalley
Ruth Haley Barton is the founder of a Transformation Center and a spiritual director. She presents the book "Invitation to Retreat: The Gift and Necessity of Time Away with God" that deals with spiritual growth, rest, spirituality, and spiritual practice. Her goal is to incorporate regular times of solitude and silence into the rhythm of the ordinary life, a habit that is not so common to those of a protestant church background. In reality the book is useful for Christian of every background (Evangelicals, Roman Catholics, Lutherans, ...). According to Barton it is important to have extended times alone with God in order to give Him our complete attention which is not always easy in our current time or society where we can be reached and are connected to media nearly all the time. Barton shows the reader the need for strategic withdrawal as well as the sources of exhaustion before touching the topics of "Finding Your Rhythm on Retreat", "Sweet Hours of Prayer", "Letting Go of Your Grip", "Relinquishing False-Self Patterns", "Space for Discernment", "Invitation to Recalibrate", "Finding Spiritual Freedom", . . . In the appendices she includes help for the "Fixed-Hour Prayer" and for "Planning Your Retreat". It is important that the reader does not forget that the importance does not only lay in the human - the ultimate goal is to worship God.
I highly recommend this book for those who really long to take a step back in their busy lives and plan to invest themselves with their time in their relationships with God. I plan to buy myself a printed copy of the book in order to be able to work in and with it in my personal life and plans to spent time on a spiritual retreat.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#InvitationToRetreat #NetGalley
September 24, 2018
What an eye opening book. One pass through is not enough to absorb all the information in this book. I will definitely be reading it again soon. It covers retreat from every aspect: before, during and after. There are ways to prepare for retreat, things to help first timers, ways to make your retreat better, and how to Reenter back into normal life. Excellent scriptural basis for everything presented. I was reading it along side Invitation to Solitude and Silence and it helps me understand that book so much better. I feel like this is a guidebook that gently guides the reader towards understanding the reason for retreat and different ways to approach and participate in a retreat. It answered so many of my questions. I have a better understanding of retreat and why it is important that everyone participates in at least one at in their life. I can’t wait to experience a retreat like the ones in the book.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley. This has in no way influenced my review. All thoughts are my own.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley. This has in no way influenced my review. All thoughts are my own.
November 9, 2022
"A place to return and find rest" is what Ruth, along with a myriad of Christians and much of Scripture, is advocating for in this book. S I read it both in preparation for a ministry spiritual retreat, during the retreat, and after I have gained much direction of my heart and consistent throbs of reflection to attune to the Lord. I couldn't tell you one story, one quote, one question that sticks out to me from the book that concludes what reading it was like, but that makes it an even better treatise of the practice of sitting on retreat with the Lord. He isn't looking to give you the next tweetable thought, the grand revelation of futuristic direction, the sustenance for a year. He's looking to be with you in rhythms of returning and rest until we enter into His final rest in the His new creation.
May 18, 2025
Not the kind of book I normally read, with themes like solitude and silence, and so the author's thoughts regularly jarred or challenged my usual ways of thinking (which was good!). In fact, there were sentences in this book that I'd never before imagined let alone considered. Oh sure, I've gone away to quiet places to be alone with God for extended periods quite a few times, but rarely with the kind of preparedness and watchfulness and vigalence as what this author thoroughly described. And what she described increased my appetite for more. Though at times, the book felt a little too touchy-feeley for me, and at other times, I was longing to be pointed more explicitly to Jesus, the rest of the book left me eager to come away and get alone with God so that my "strategic withdrawals" with him could leave me far more prepared for the challenges to which we must all return.
September 28, 2018
Are you to busy or overwhelmed by the things in your life? Have you lost touch with your inner being? Your Holy Connection with God? Ruth Haley Barton addresses why some of this is taking place and provides guidance on how to come back to your relationship with God, and so much more. In twelve chapters, beginning with an invitation, and finishing up in rest, and the inbetween four interludes, shows you retreat. I found this book interesting and felt the information refreshingly up to date with today’s world.
December 13, 2019
As I have been wading deeper into the waters of spiritual formation and understanding my own soul a bit better, I have so appreciated Ruth Haley Barton! This book was my guide for a personal retreat that I took this Fall - my FIRST true personal retreat after 25 or so years in ministry. How is it possible that it took me that long to establish this practice? I'm so glad I did. And I'm so thankful for this book - full of gentle but powerful insight AND practical steps, it was like having my own spiritual director walk me through the weekend.
February 17, 2019
This was my first book from Ruth Haley Barton and I’m hooked. She is a gifted writer. I’m considering her my spiritual director and this book my first guided retreat in solitude and silence. If you’ve never taken a solo spiritual retreat... this book, a journal, and your Bible is all you need. It will lead you step by step from yourself to the Divine and back into the world. But you must go away in silence and solitude to reap this benefit.
July 3, 2020
This book is all you need to both understand and plan a personal, spiritual retreat. Ruth Haley Barton is helpful voice in the evangelical, spiritual-formation movement and a trusted guide on this topic. She writes clearly and honestly with just the right amount of exhortation and encouragement. This is a short book, but it is really a handbook that will lead you in spiritual retreat. First Barton reminds us of the importance of being alone with God, how it refreshes our souls, renews our minds and keep us from being formed by the world. Then she helps us make the most of a personal retreat by applying each principle in clear, practical ways.
September 18, 2023
Barton has been one of my favorite spiritual mentors over the last several years. This is only my third book of hers I’ve read, but they’ve all been fantastic. This books focus on spiritual retreat and rest have been so good for my soul. She also gives practical outlines for creating your own personal retreat which is appreciated.
January 12, 2020
I really loved this book. It's my first Ruth Haley Barton book but not my last. Highly recommend if you are someone who goes on retreats or wants to. I started this book before I took my retreat this past fall and now that I've just finished already feel the need to plan or go on my next one.
November 29, 2018
In the same thread with the rest of her books, I’ll never tire of learning about going away to rest for awhile ...for she is a master facilitator and participant of spiritual retreats.
January 26, 2021
So inspiring! Can't wait to plan a retreat! Already finding ways to bring retreat into my restful moments.
January 25, 2023
I slowly savored this book and it has helped to give shape to my sabbatical. I loved the journaling and reflection exercises and I will return to the book as I plan future retreats.
September 4, 2023
Such a practical and beautiful book full of practices and personal stories centered around the invitation to pull away and be still.
April 23, 2025
Okay, this book is definitely more of a tool than a book. I’m not sure how useful it would be for someone who’s not planning a retreat or trying to figure out what it looks like to seek more time with God on a Sabbath. But for those needs, it’s excellent. Great tips on disconnecting from normal routines, questions to ask for reflection, and ways to reengage after the retreat.
Plus, it might do for you what it did for me and make you plan a retreat as you’re reading it.
Plus, it might do for you what it did for me and make you plan a retreat as you’re reading it.
February 2, 2019
Wonderful book on spiritual retreats , well written. Lots of tips and examples from her life. A must read for someone looking for advice on retreat the Jesus way
September 16, 2018
If you are tired, exhausted, or run-down by all the to-do items on your list that never is done, then Ruth's book, Invitation to Retreat, is written just for you!
There are too many takeaways to mention in a brief review. But, if you pick it up and find a quiet place where you can reflect as you read, then you will discover - early and often - gems for your soul.
Yes, it's a beautiful read, but it's one that is going to tap into the core of your being. In other words, if your tired and just too busy to do anything about it, you will not be let off-the-hook. Rather, one chapter after the other will encourage and challenge you to respond to the invitation to retreat! Every chapter concludes with reflection questions to help you take this next and necessary step to be away on retreat!
Having said that, I would like to comment on one section that grabbed me and has stayed with me since I read it. It's a portion toward the end of chapter 3: The Sources of Exhaustion. One of the sources with which I identified is "being mired in our willfulness."
Ruth states that the result of being mired in our own "willful lack of acceptance is that we hold ourselves back from what is happening, separating ourselves and resisting what is rather than giving ourselves to the gift of now."
This section has helped me reimagine what it's like to live into the gift of now. A prayer that I carry with me - hourly - is, "Lord, help me accept what 'is.'" This prayer developed as I read this chapter.
Ruth's book is written specifically with spiritual teachers and leaders in mind. Folks such as pastors, minister, deacons, elders, lay-leaders, etc. She writes as one who genuinely loves the church and the people who serve the church. More importantly, she writes a one who is deeply loved by God, experiences this love, and wants to share His love - generously - with others!
I think the telling-truth behind any book written to encourage us to action is this: will we respond, will we retreat?
For me, the answer is yes. Upon reading the last page, I reached out to a retreat center near me and booked some time away, finally.
Thank you, Ruth, for the invitation.
There are too many takeaways to mention in a brief review. But, if you pick it up and find a quiet place where you can reflect as you read, then you will discover - early and often - gems for your soul.
Yes, it's a beautiful read, but it's one that is going to tap into the core of your being. In other words, if your tired and just too busy to do anything about it, you will not be let off-the-hook. Rather, one chapter after the other will encourage and challenge you to respond to the invitation to retreat! Every chapter concludes with reflection questions to help you take this next and necessary step to be away on retreat!
Having said that, I would like to comment on one section that grabbed me and has stayed with me since I read it. It's a portion toward the end of chapter 3: The Sources of Exhaustion. One of the sources with which I identified is "being mired in our willfulness."
Ruth states that the result of being mired in our own "willful lack of acceptance is that we hold ourselves back from what is happening, separating ourselves and resisting what is rather than giving ourselves to the gift of now."
This section has helped me reimagine what it's like to live into the gift of now. A prayer that I carry with me - hourly - is, "Lord, help me accept what 'is.'" This prayer developed as I read this chapter.
Ruth's book is written specifically with spiritual teachers and leaders in mind. Folks such as pastors, minister, deacons, elders, lay-leaders, etc. She writes as one who genuinely loves the church and the people who serve the church. More importantly, she writes a one who is deeply loved by God, experiences this love, and wants to share His love - generously - with others!
I think the telling-truth behind any book written to encourage us to action is this: will we respond, will we retreat?
For me, the answer is yes. Upon reading the last page, I reached out to a retreat center near me and booked some time away, finally.
Thank you, Ruth, for the invitation.
January 30, 2022
kicked off my reading retreat with this one, and it was perfect for orienting me and preparing my heart for time away. i didn’t necessarily intend for this little getaway to be a spiritual retreat, but in many ways, it is, and this book was a good guide into that.
it’s definitely one i’ll return to as i prepare for or take spiritual retreats in the future — it was helpful, hopeful, practical, beautiful, and rich.
it’s definitely one i’ll return to as i prepare for or take spiritual retreats in the future — it was helpful, hopeful, practical, beautiful, and rich.
July 3, 2019
The Publisher’s note describes this beautiful book so perfectly I need not add more, except to say, “Yes!” And award it 5 of 5 Stars!
"’Come away and rest awhile.’ Jesus invites us to be with him, offering our full and undivided attention to him. When we choose retreat, we make a generous investment in our friendship with Christ. We are not always generous with ourselves where God is concerned. Many of us have tried to incorporate regular times of solitude and silence into the rhythm of our ordinary lives, which may mean that we give God twenty minutes here and half an hour there. And there’s no question we are better for it! But we need more. Indeed, we long for more. Here, Transforming Center founder and seasoned spiritual director Ruth Haley Barton gently leads us into retreat as a key practice that opens us to God. Based on her own practice and her experience leading hundreds of retreats for others, she will guide you in a very personal exploration of seven specific invitations contained within the general invitation to retreat. You will discover how to say yes to God's winsome invitation to greater freedom and surrender. There has never been a time when the invitation to retreat is so radical and so relevant, so needed and so welcome. It is not a luxury, but a necessity of the spiritual life.”
Pub Date 18 Sep 2018
Thanks to InterVarsity Press and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.
#InvitationToRetreat #NetGalley
"’Come away and rest awhile.’ Jesus invites us to be with him, offering our full and undivided attention to him. When we choose retreat, we make a generous investment in our friendship with Christ. We are not always generous with ourselves where God is concerned. Many of us have tried to incorporate regular times of solitude and silence into the rhythm of our ordinary lives, which may mean that we give God twenty minutes here and half an hour there. And there’s no question we are better for it! But we need more. Indeed, we long for more. Here, Transforming Center founder and seasoned spiritual director Ruth Haley Barton gently leads us into retreat as a key practice that opens us to God. Based on her own practice and her experience leading hundreds of retreats for others, she will guide you in a very personal exploration of seven specific invitations contained within the general invitation to retreat. You will discover how to say yes to God's winsome invitation to greater freedom and surrender. There has never been a time when the invitation to retreat is so radical and so relevant, so needed and so welcome. It is not a luxury, but a necessity of the spiritual life.”
Pub Date 18 Sep 2018
Thanks to InterVarsity Press and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.
#InvitationToRetreat #NetGalley
March 31, 2020
We are a culture of busy. While there may be many good things to do out there, God did not create our bodies to be able to physically, emotionally, or spiritually be able to handle it all. When we overcommitted ourselves, sacrifices are made—and if your anything like me, shorter devotions or skipping prayer journaling is often the first sacrifice. This should not be!!
However, there are times when wherever we are committed in life, we must attend conferences, continue studies, and so on. This author explains the beauty taking a retreat. Not the kind of retreat that you stay up late with your friends and end up coming home exhausted, but the kind of retreat that you turn off all distractions, maybe go into the woods or a canin by yourself for a day, weekend, or week solely with the intention to read the Word, getting physical rest, and do journaling, art, or singing (whatever bring you closer to the Lord.)
Jesus did this often. He would go to the garden by Himself, even when He was needed and being searched for. We too, even more than Jesus, need this solo time with the Lord.
However, there are times when wherever we are committed in life, we must attend conferences, continue studies, and so on. This author explains the beauty taking a retreat. Not the kind of retreat that you stay up late with your friends and end up coming home exhausted, but the kind of retreat that you turn off all distractions, maybe go into the woods or a canin by yourself for a day, weekend, or week solely with the intention to read the Word, getting physical rest, and do journaling, art, or singing (whatever bring you closer to the Lord.)
Jesus did this often. He would go to the garden by Himself, even when He was needed and being searched for. We too, even more than Jesus, need this solo time with the Lord.
November 1, 2019
Audio.
This book is a really practical initiation to the art of retreat. Retreat can mean so many things, and most of the time we fill up retreats with work (a corporate retreat) and/or good things (speakers, fellowship time). I appreciated the author's treatment on how to prepare yourself whether you're doing a private or guided retreat. I felt convicted when she said most of us try to accomplish things on retreat besides just retreating (she mentions writing thank you cards or finishing reading books). It's so important to set aside the time—and be uninterruptible—at a retreat even if there are things going on back in real life.
Nothing in the book seemed earth-shattering or new; it was simply full of good reminders.
P.S. While I generally enjoy books read by their authors, this is one case in which it might have been marginally more enjoyable if read by a professional.
This book is a really practical initiation to the art of retreat. Retreat can mean so many things, and most of the time we fill up retreats with work (a corporate retreat) and/or good things (speakers, fellowship time). I appreciated the author's treatment on how to prepare yourself whether you're doing a private or guided retreat. I felt convicted when she said most of us try to accomplish things on retreat besides just retreating (she mentions writing thank you cards or finishing reading books). It's so important to set aside the time—and be uninterruptible—at a retreat even if there are things going on back in real life.
Nothing in the book seemed earth-shattering or new; it was simply full of good reminders.
P.S. While I generally enjoy books read by their authors, this is one case in which it might have been marginally more enjoyable if read by a professional.
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