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I’ve been an experienced retreater for quite a few years. One of my regular retreats is a day each month. It’s on my calendar each month for the entire year. Even though it’s generally the same day each month, I sometimes get surprised when I see it’s coming up that week. Occasionally, my reaction in those times is, “Oh, man - I’ve got a prayer day. I’m not sure I can make that fit.” I’ve heard that thought dozens of times - yet I’ve learned to ignore it. It’s on my calendar. It’s a non-negotiable. I make the rest of my schedule fit around it. I’ve never regretted it.

I had my monthly prayer day today. As usual, I made the 90-mile trek to the Prayer Cottage. It sits on the property of my good friends Dwayne and Rita Hanon, founders of Broomtree Ministries. Broomtree provides week long retreats for those in full time Christian ministry along with their spouse. The Prayer Cottage is just a bonus, yet it’s a lifesaver for me.

A day at the Prayer Cottage consists of solitude, ongoing conversation with the Lord about vision for the church, ministry challenges, and/or personal growth and family business. I often take one or more long walks and sometimes even a nap - as I’ve said before, sometimes the most spiritual thing one can do is take a nap!

I take my Bible, my journal, some great music, possibly one or two books that I feel may have potential for the Lord to use in answering my prayers for guidance, and some healthy snacks.

If you’re a pastor or other full time church leader, you owe it to yourself to have your own monthly prayer day. Actually, if you’re a Christian and still breathing, you deserve and need a monthly prayer day. Set a date, clear your schedule, gain the support of your family and team members, find a quiet place, and make it happen.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Mark 1:35

If Jesus needed such times, what does that say about us?

What is your prayer retreat routine?