Silent Retreat

A silent retreat is a dedicated time set apart to be intentionally quiet before God. It is a spiritual practice rooted in Scripture’s invitations to “be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) and to be aware of God’s presence by stepping away from noise and distraction. Silence is not emptiness—it's space for communion with Christ.

Practices include:  

The goal is not productivity, but presence—letting your heart settle so you can notice God’s gentle work.  

Yes. Silence appears throughout Scripture as a way of honoring God, listening to Him, and cultivating holy attentiveness.  

Jesus regularly withdrew to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16; Mark 1:35).  
Elijah heard God not in the wind or fire, but in a “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:11–13). 
Solomon taught, “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God… let your words be few” (Ecclesiastes 5:1–2). 
Scripture often calls God’s people to silence as an expression of trust and worship (Habakkuk 2:20; Psalm 62:1).  

Silence is a biblical means of making room to hear God rather than striving to be heard ourselves. 

A silent retreat helps you:  

Rest in God’s presence and experience Jesus’ invitation to “Come to Me… and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). 
Listen more deeply to the Holy Spirit without the usual noise and hurry. 
Reflect on Scripture, life, and discipleship with clarity. 
Reconnect with your identity as God’s beloved.  
Receive comfort, guidance, healing, conviction, or encouragement.  

In fact, many churches commend retreats as a way to practice spiritual disciplines like solitude, prayer, fasting, and meditation on Scripture. 

Not necessarily. Silence during a retreat means: 

No unnecessary conversation 
No phone use or digital noise 
No social chatter 
No music unless it fosters prayer  

It’s not about policing every sound you make, but about creating a quiet environment in your mind, heart, and surroundings so you can be present to God.