Wilderness Time: A Guide for Spiritual Retreat – A Renovaré Resource for Solitude, Prayer, and Growing Closer to God

by Emilie Griffin

Time in "the wilderness" -- solitary meditation on simplicity, prayer, and other key disciplines of faith -- is directly in keeping with Jesus' example of going apart to pray. Now, with the clarity and encouragement that distinguish the Renovaré collection of spiritual resources, this gentle guide to retreat unshrouds that historical tradition -- and so reveals marvelous opportunities for spiritual renewal in contemporary Christian practice. Helping us to create self-guided retreats -- for individuals or groups -- Emilie Griffin offers plans, encouragements, and suggestions based on her own experience and fortified by the inspiring words of contemporary Christian writers such as Eugene Peterson, Luci Shaw, and Virginia Stem Owens. A virtual primer for retreat, this volume defines the basics and provides practical tips on setting realistic expectations and on achieving the relaxation and freedom necessary for the soul to become, in the words of de Caussade, "light as a feather." A detailed one-day retreat makes an ideal model for first-timers, and several different examples illustrate how time in the wilderness can be both accessible and wonderfully illuminating -- no matter what your schedule. Wilderness Time is another balanced, practical strategy from Renovaré helping us grow closer to God.

Genres: Prayer, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction, Christianity, Spirituality

128 pages, Paperback

First published April 23, 1997

Reviews

[Don Harton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very practical book teaching disciples about spending quality time w God.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the idea of personal retreat. It doesn't have to be a planned and programmed time we can have a time of retreat almost anytime. Awesome so far!

[Vicki Judd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful little book full of encouragement for the pursuit of a deeper spiritual life through the discipline of spiritual retreat.

[Dr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good place to find a challenge to get away with the Lord for a day or longer time of focus and contemplation. While not agreeing with all of her theological interpretations, I was able to be encouraged and instructed in the realm of retreat with my Lord.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initial Question:
Can the author propel me to better understand how to pull of a retreat with people of my church?

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Griffin's writing feels like the guidance of a gentle, Benedictine oblate grandmother - each simple paragraph feels like your best interest has long been considered.

Wilderness Time does provide some helpful questions and thoughts for pulling together a retreat for yourself or a small group. The book provides some outlines for retreats as well, but nothing very detailed; this isn't a retreat-in-a-box.

My greatest "take away" is affective encouragement that, yes, retreats are needed today for introverts, extroverts, and folks who don't like labels. The remaining question is, Will you take the risk to plan and lead them?

[Adam Shaeffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful little book full of insights into the many and various experiences of retreat. A companion on retreat, or something to read before, this book will be a blessing.

[Matt]

[nate]

Recommended in Ruth Haley Barton's book on retreat, I used Griffin's book while on a 3 day solo retreat. I found it to be very helpful and timely as I spent that dedicated time. I particularly connected with her idea of "God's improvisation" while on retreat.