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New every morning is your love, great God of light, and all day long you are working for good in the world. Stir up in us desire to serve you, to live peacefully with our neighbors and all your creation, and to devote each day to your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

"A Liturgy for Morning Prayer," Upper Room Worshipbook

Used by permission from the Book of Common Worship, © 2018 Westminster John Knox Press. All rights reserved. This prayer appears in “A Liturgy for Morning Prayer” in Upper Room Worshipbook.

Time Away

A Guide for Personal Retreat

Paul H. Lang, Ben Campbell Johnson • May 2010

BUY Print $14.99

"Come away with me and rest for a while," Jesus said to his disciples. Sometimes we need a break from our busy lives just to take time to be, but more important, to listen to God.

Time Away details the joys, challenges, and benefits of a personal retreat. This book's step-by-step instructions will enable anyone—from first-timer to veteran—to make the most of dedicated time with God.

Chapters cover these topics:

  • What Is a Retreat?
  • Why Go on a Retreat?
  • Preparing for a Retreat
  • Creating a Plan for Your Retreat
  • Retreat at a Monastery
  • Entering the Silence
  • Returning from Time Away: 15 Watchwords

The book includes helpful appendixes that include lesson plans for a class on personal retreats, liturgies for use with groups on retreat, and descriptions of a retreat leader's tasks.

Time Away is an indispensable handbook for ministers and other retreat leaders, as well as any individual who wants to go on a personal retreat. Enjoy your time away with God!


Rev. Dr. Paul H. Lang is head of staff at First Presbyterian Church, Fargo, North Dakota. He is executive director of the Institute of Church Renewal.

Ben Campbell Johnson (1932–2016), professor emeritus at Columbia Theological Seminary, was an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Dr. Johnson was widely known for his work in church renewal movements and interfaith relations. He served as pastor of United Methodist churches in Kentucky and Alabama and as interim pastor of two Presbyterian churches in Georgia. In 1963 Dr. Johnson founded and served as director of the Institute for Church Renewal in Atlanta. In 1981 he joined the faculty at Columbia Theological Seminary as professor of evangelism and church growth. In 1995 he became professor of spirituality, retiring in 2000. A prolific writer, Dr. Johnson authored more than 40 books on evangelism, prayer, and spirituality, including Calming the Restless Spirit (Upper Room Books, 1997) and A Seeker’s Guide to Christian Faith (Upper Room Books, 2000). After retirement he continued writing and devoting energy to interfaith relationships. He was an advisory board member of the Interfaith Community Initiatives, the Clarkston Community Health Center, and other interfaith programs in the Atlanta area.

ISBN: 978-0-8358-1011-1

Imprint: Upper Room

Pub Date: May 2010

Trim Size: 6 in (w) x 9 in (h) x in (d)

Page Count: 160

BISAC Categories: RELIGION / Christian Living / Spiritual Growth

BISAC1: REL012120

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If you are wondering whether to explore a personal retreat, this volume was written for you. It is filled with the personal experience of others, prepared by seasoned guides, and offers clear and complete instructions for time away. Rueben P. Job Author and retired United Methodist Bishop