Prayer is an important part of any event.  Your team will pray throughout the planning and execution of a retreat and cover the whole process in prayer.  You will also want to encourage your attendees to pray during the event, not just corporately but individually.  One way to foster prayer is to set up a prayer room that your attendees can access throughout the event.  Here are a few tips for creating an intentional, inviting space:

1. Choose the right setting.  Designate a quiet, private space that is accessible to attendees but not directly in the center of the action.
2. Set the tone. Turn off the fluorescent lighting and bring in lamps to add warmth.  Traditional candles likely aren’t allowed, but electric candles or soft LED string lights can help make the space cozy.  Make sure the temperature in the room is comfortable so that guests can stay a while without shivering or sweating.  Consider playing soft instrumental worship music to help invite attendees into a worshipful mindset.
3. Point to the Word. Set up stations with Scripture banners or posters.  Make them beautiful with lettering or illustrations that fit with the context. You can select Scripture that correlates with your event theme or topic of study. Or you may consider guiding your attendees step-by-step through the gospel, reminding them of Christ’s great love, sacrifice, and grace.  
4. Integrate God’s creation. It’s always easier to feel close to God when we are surrounded by His creation.  To accomplish this indoors, you might use a projector or TV screen to show images and videos of God’s handiwork.  Or, if you prefer to avoid screens, consider displaying paintings or photographs of nature scenes.  Depending on the season of your retreat, it may also be appropriate to use nature decor (pinecones, flowers, wreaths).
5. Prepare the space. Once all the details are set, pray over the space.  Pray that God would convict, challenge, and comfort.  Pray that He would make His will clear and His love known.  Pray that He would use this space and this event for His glory.

There is power in prayer.  In the busyness of our everyday lives, it can be hard to pray without ceasing, but when we do, we will be transformed by the steady practice of trusting everything to God.  Sometimes a gentle invitation to pray is what we need to get started.  The prayer room that you set up at your next retreat or conference could be just that—an invitation to take it all to God.

If you have set up a prayer room at one of your events, please feel free to share your ideas with us.  We would love to hear from you!  

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18