Holy Longing An Advent Retreat

Hope, and waiting, and longing—these are the minor key moods of Advent. We groan along with all creation for God to come and make all the broken things right. Like the prophets of old, we long to be rescued by a King who will bring about justice and righteousness and peace in our world. Embedded in this are our personal longings: for healing, for deliverance, for freedom, for love—for a whole host of good and holy things that God desires for us as well. What do we do with those? How entangled are our holy longings with the counterfeit "desires of our own hearts"? Our longings, whether we are aware of them or not, drive us and our behavior more than anything else does. Perhaps it would serve us well to pay them a little attention and let God speak into them.

We miss the glory, the "big deal" of Christmas, if we jump ahead and skip the hard work of attentiveness to our longing. Come, make some space this Advent to come away for a little while, take note of the darkness, and seek the Light your heart craves.

We will explore the theme of Holy Longing in group conversation and then spend several hours on Corhaven's beautiful property in silence and solitude asking God to meet us in our deepest longings. Taking naps and invading the art supplies are all welcome during this time. While all group participation is optional, we offer three meals together, fellowship time on Friday evening, and Evening and Morning Prayer using the Book of Common Prayer.

Bring a Bible
A small object that represents the state of your soul (for our sharing time)
A Book of Common Prayer if you have one
A Journal
Warm clothes and comfy shoes for walking around the property
Anything you need to help you feel like you can rest well (like your coziest blanket)
Consider a simple watch so that you can tuck your phone out of the way somewhere

Cost of the retreat is listed below and includes overnight accomadations and 3 meals 

Shared Room : $115 

Private Room $190

*If you would like to attend but need support financially please contact us at programs@inthecoracle.org!