Planning a Prayer Retreat

DescriptionAbout the Author, Deborah J. A. Miller5.0Deborah J. A. Miller, the author of Planning a Prayer Retreat, is a lifelong learner with a passion to know and serve God. With doctorates in education and ministry, she has served in multiple roles and organizations over 30 years. Currently, Deborah presents at conferences nationally and internationally on topics such as leadership, education, spiritual formation, and prayer. She has been married to Roger over 40 years, has two children, five grandchildren, and a spoiled rotten Australian labradoodle named Louie.Praise For  Planning a Prayer RetreatPractical, specific, doable, valuable. These are words that came to my mind as I read Planning a Prayer Retreat by my friend, Deborah Miller. I’ve known Deborah for over 20 years and have always appreciated her walk with the Lord and her perspective on how to please Him.Most books on prayer are designed to increase our personal prayer life. This book is different. It shows the value and the power of joining our prayers with the prayers of others. But it goes beyond that. It also addresses very practical aspects of how to make it happen. Who should be invited? Where should we go? How long should we be there? What about meals? How do we start? How do we know what to pray for? Dr. Miller addresses these and many other practical issues so you can get a running start at how to help others experience the joy of meaningful prayer times with others. This book is not only worth reading, it is worth doing.—Dennis Fuqua, Director, International Renewal Ministries.***Planning a Prayer Retreat: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide for Organizing and Leading Group Prayer Retreats is a fabulous resource for anyone seeking to lead others in an organized prayer experience. Having commissioned Deborah to lead a prayer retreat for my leadership team, I have experienced the personal fruit from the Spirit’s revelation to Deborah. This book is a tool birthed from her personal experience, wisdom, and the Holy Spirit’s leading. It masterfully combines practical strategies with profound insights, empowering facilitators to create an experience that when followed, works time and time again. Deborah’s thoughtful approach not only offers step-by-step guidance but also inspires readers to embrace the sacredness of prayer in community. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or new to the concept of planning a prayer retreat, this guide is a valuable tool that will enrich your experience and the experience of your participants. Highly recommended!—Abby Conger, Women’s Pastor, Vancouver Church, Vancouver, WA***What do popcorn, a prayer topic, and the Holy Spirit have in common? According to Dr. Deborah Miller they create a prayer strategy to facilitate group intercessory prayer that assists people hearing from the Lord while listening to one another for intentional prayer that is “dynamic and engaging.” If you have ever led a group of people in prayer, I believe this practical and insightful book will be instructive whether you find yourself wanting to lead a group prayer retreat or not. Includes explanations for the purpose and critical use of time during prayer sessions, resistance to prayer, debriefing prayer sessions as well as potential scenarios of ‘what ifs’ of spiritual leadership while facilitating prayer. This book is pure encouragement and inspiration to pray supplied from a clear biblical foundation in Chapter 2 with more references and support found throughout the book. Miller calls the reader to relationship with God and others through prayer and to connect with God through prayer corporately.—Judy L. Glanz, PhD, Spiritual Director, Facilitator Guided Silence and Solitude Retreats***Lots of us know why we should pray together, and lots of us want to do it. But we struggle with knowing how to do it – and Dr. Miller offers a helpful guide to help us get there. Her step-by-step resource offers passion, wisdom, and practical steps for any leader longing to pull people into deeper experiences of prayer together.—Rev. Michaele LaVigne, Director of the Spiritual Formation Initiative at Nazarene Theological Seminary***Planning a Prayer Retreat is like a Swiss army knife – there is something for most everyone. If you would like to hold a prayer retreat but have no idea where to start or what to do, you will find answers here. If, like me, you have led MANY prayer retreats, what Deborah Miller has put together will help you think in a fresh, creative way about what you are doing, and why. I wish this resource was available decades ago!—Mike Higgs, member, National Prayer Committee; 24-7 Prayer USA; North American Prayer Councilauthor, The Praying Youth Ministry5.0Breakdown