Solo: Creating Space with God

by Stephen W. Smith, Peter M. Ivey

Creating Space with God is your personal guide to help you craft a day alone, a day with God, a day to regain your humanity and your heart! In this busy, stress-filled life, the hustle and bustle can leave us numb to the state of our own souls, disconnected from those we love, and deaf to the whispers of the Spirit of God. We can become overwhelmed with the question of how to actually pull off a day alone with God. The truth is, most of us need guidance in crafting our own solo retreat and in working through the excuses that often prevent us from creating space with God. This book is set to become the “go to” guide to help the novice to the seasoned retreatant spend a day with God.

Genres: Christian

103 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 15, 2021

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short book, written from a contemplative perspective, on how to plan a personal spiritual retreat. Includes a helpful look at Jesus's own pattern of engagement and retreat in Luke's gospel, guidance for what to do on a retreat, instructions for practicing Lectio Divina, and more. While I could quibble with a few things here and there, I found this book practical and refreshing.

[Samara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful for addressing the need but also taking very manageable steps towards having solo retreats (really the length of a workday!) with God. I was able to read through this now beginning some time alone on this trip, but am encouraged that I feel motivated to find ways to continue doing this regularly (monthly?) at home. I love how simple the structure they suggest is, leaving the details to be filled in by the movement and voice of the Lord.

[Douglas Widdowson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate the wisdom Stephen Smith and Peter Ivey have packed into this small book. Full of practical tips for creating a day alone with God it is a great reference for my personal walk with God and my professional work - I'm a pastor and spiritual director. I found the chapter on the "Soul Wheel" to be an excellent tool to engage with and reflect on my entire being. I highly recommend this book.

[Tanner Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

“In doing less, in slowing down and resting, we create space to reorient or lives toward God and to recognize how our striving has only left us empty.”

Was recommended this read by some dear friends and spiritual mentors in preparation for a solitude day! I’ll be honest and say I don’t know that anything in this book was necessarily new when it comes to the practice of silence and solitude, but I appreciate it as a consolidated source.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book full of insights, tools, and even a schedule for your own Solo retreat. I really enjoyed how Stephen and Peter presented the need for creating space with God and how they help take the stress out of the planning for a solo retreat.

[Matt Jernigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent little book to help you create space for a solo retreat with God. The book is filled with practical advice and suggestions to help you connect with God on your retreat.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick easy read. Simple skeleton of ideas for a solo retreat with God.