Why A Silent Retreat?
By Angie Kolsch
Most of us know or have heard the scripture “ a time for silence and a time to speak ” ( Eccl. 3:7b). No doubt there are countless applications as to what that could mean in any given situation. The point is: we do need times of silence. Silence might include observing a moment of remembrance or respect, honoring a rule of conduct in a building, a refusal to communicate simply to punish or make a statement ( I.e. “the silent treatment”) , holding your tongue, being a good listener or choosing wordless-ness in an intentional season of solitude or rest. Sometimes, it is just “be-ing”.
All to say, there is silence that brings life and silence that brings death.
We were created to need life-giving silence.The very breath between our words is silence…sacred space, holy pauses. “ In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth…then God said…”
Out of silence The Word spoke… words that created life. Words of power. Words of love.
In a noisy culture of clamoring cymbals, competing voices and conquering agendas the soul needs rest. The soul needs God.
My soul waits in silence for God Only. (Psalm 62:5)
Sometimes, we just need to get away…turn off cell phones, social media and pressing demands to make space for that which the panting soul yearns…solitude and silence. This ache beckons us to return to the center to be still and know that He is God.
Mirroring the needs and desires in our own spiritual journeys, the Fresh Oil Team gradually transitioned to silent retreats and three years ago announced our first silent retreat Come:Be Silent. What started with a heart for hospitality and community 10 years ago has evolved into a very intentional invitation to come and welcome silence.
Hospitality and community are experienced, but in a different way.
We offer a time and provide a space where you can be alone yet dwell with others, have your own private room, receive some spiritual guidance and engage in the serenity of creation to rest, renew, refresh, create, heal and just be happy.
Silence Simply Makes Sense
Let us consider a few reasons why creating a space for
silence simply makes sense.
We were created to have union with God. The mystery of the Christian faith is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27). Christ comes to make a home in believers as we make our home and live in Him. (John 14: 20-23). It is in silence that we deepen our awareness of the very presence of God in us. Embedded in the word “silent” is the word “listen”. It is in silence that the heartbeat of God in oneness with our own spirit is amplified. The soul “listens” as it experiences Divine auscultation.
God created man with five “natural“ senses. The “new man” is recreated with five “spiritual” senses . “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” “ Let me hear what God the LORD will speak.” (Psalm 85:8) “We are the smell of the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ in every place”. (2 Corinthians 2:14) . “Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him” (Luke 15:20) – a holy touch from a loving, forgiving Father. It is in silence and solitude that these spiritual senses are often heightened. Sometimes in the noise from without and within we must admit as Jacob, “ Surely the LORD is in this place and we did not know it.” (Genesis 28:16)
Silent retreats offer a chosen serene space nestled in nature where
one can center and more keenly KNOW that “ the LORD is in this
place”. Creation was God’s first words. Intentional stillness and
silence help us hear them.
3. Sometimes, layers need to be peeled away- like an
onion, layer by layer. Thick and thin skins of self-protection.The
outer and inner noises of our daily lives can serve to calcify the
outer man causing us to lose touch with who we really are in the
inner man. Henri Nouwen writes: “…being in silence seems like
doing nothing, but it is precisely in silence that we confront our
true selves.”
The majority of our retreat attendees tell us that now they have experienced a silent retreat, they would not want to go back to our previous “talking” venues. Quiet times are a precious commodity in a busy world and most of us are looking for a place to breathe and deepen in the love of Christ.
Expect to be stretched as you experience openness and newness. You might even feel a little uncomfortable. Quieting the soul does not come easily for everyone. Disengaging from outer and inner flurry starts as a choice, but subtly the grace and peace of God gently guide us into the beauty of the otherness of God’s presence.
Probably the greatest challenge for some is experiencing group dining in silence. There is a lot to learn about our bodies in “ silent eating.” Of course, anyone can choose a private place if the group setting is too uncomfortable. Others have told us that they found themselves initially resisting creative invitations and challenges and then discovered that they too are vessels of divine creative inspiration.
Silence awakens the soul with boundless gifts and surprises!