Together in Solitude – A Challenge for the Soul at Prayer Days 2008

By Nancy Kelley

    RIGA, Latvia – No matter what country you’re from, what language you speak, or which church you attend…or serve, there is a culprit that blocks most people from times of solitude with God. That culprit is busyness.

    At Latvia’s 10th annual Prayer Days retreat, Steve Macchia challenged pastors, ministry leaders and missionaries to be honest before God and own up to possible fears of drawing near to Him or hindrances that keep them from deeper fellowship with Him. Macchia, author and founding president of Leadership Transformation, Inc., returned as guest speaker for a second year and received a warm welcome. He shared his firm belief that time spent alone with God in quiet and stillness, flows out into a life of fullness and worship, which should be the first priority of every follower of Christ.

    During the three-day conference, the 145 participants were given opportunities to spend two-hour blocks of time alone with God. Some found their place of solitude in the rooms of the hotel, some on the sunny verandas, and some on walking paths through the nearby woods.

    For many, these times of solitude were the highlight of Prayer Days. When they shared later in small groups, it was clear that many were touched by God in a deep way as they met alone with Him.

    Macchia also emphasized the value of developing spiritual friendships in which the deeper issues of one’s life can be shared and prayed through with others. In his final teaching session he talked about the importance of living life with an open, outstretched hand toward God, rather than clinging to “idols” or “possessions” that can have a firm grip on our hearts.

    In his book, Becoming a Healthy Disciple, Macchia writes, “…the person who loves his or her life is moved by two aims – selfishness and the desire for security. …if we look after ourselves as a hypochondriac looks after his health…we will exist longer – but we will never live.”

    No one could leave Prayer Days 2008 without hearing Macchia’s vital biblical message that “it is not the abundance of things and experiences that satisfy. Instead, it is the abundance of loving God with heart, soul, mind and strength…and our neighbors as ourselves! That’s what leads to joy, blessings, and fullness of life!”

    The following are a few reflective comments made by participants.

    “God and I became the best friends! He touched my heart in a special way these days and I finally was able to respond. He invited me for His work and I decided to follow Him wherever He wants to lead me. This has been one of the greatest moments in my life.”

    “My gain from these days are new friends, joy, and prayers for others.”

    “I understood how to read the Bible better. I received a confirmation that truly every person needs silent time with the Lord.”

    “The only thing / area in which we can be selfish is in taking care of our souls in order to learn to become self-less! I will never want to lose this closeness to the Father because of  “busy ministry”. Lord, help!”

    “This is the 3rd year when I am participating and every time I am impatiently looking forward to the next time.”

    “I was able to think about some very important questions that I had not been solving before.”

    “It was a wonderful time to be together with leaders. True bridge-building! Very important time spent together with my wife.”

    “I received spiritual strength and a deeper understanding about the importance of prayer.”

    “I needed a reminder that God is #1. And there will always be ‘bees’.”

    “I am thankful that you have been inviting the leaders. Then this event has a special meaning.”

    “I would be happy to give my place at this event to a young person who will have to work more, better and longer then we. If there will be more Prayer Days for leader couples – we with my husband will be here!”

    “This coming together is very important – for mobilization and for rest.”

    “Rest for spirit and body, and strengthening and fellowship without hindrances and barriers.”

    “I ‘charged my batteries’ in different ways.”

    “I admire the fact that Prayer Days brings together people of various denominations. It reflects the unity of the body of Christ.”

    “I received much, much more than I had expected.”

    To God be all glory.