Brave Hearted Ministry Summer Retreat

"Then Jesus said, 'Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile." Mark 6:31 NLT

Hello Brave Hearted Steppers, 

Welcome!

I'm so grateful you've chosen to join me for the Brave Hearted Ministry Summer Retreat. Whether you're reading from the comfort of your home, during your lunch break, enjoying a quiet morning with a cup of coffee, or wherever you may be, I pray this retreat becomes more than something you read-it becomes a space where you encounter the presence of God.

Life often moves at a pace that leaves us with little room for stillness. Our calendars fill up too quickly, our minds become crowded with responsibilities, and our hearts can quietly grow weary. Yet throughout Scripture, we see Jesus lovingly inviting people to step away from the noise and spend time with Him.

When His disciples became weary from ministry, Jesus said, "Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile." Mark 6:31 NLT

This five-week online retreat is an invitation to answer that same call.

Together, we'll intentionally step away from the distractions of everyday life to spend time in God's presence. As we slow down, we'll discover the spiritual renewal isn't found in doing more-it's found by drawing near to the One who renews our souls.

As James reminds us, "Come close to God, and God will come close to you." James 4:8 NLT

Each week, we'll pause together and reflect on God's Word, listen for His voice, respond through prayer, and take one intentional Brave Hearted step of faith at a time. There is no pressure to rush through the material. Move at a pace that allows God to minister deeply to your heart.

As you begin this journey, I encourage you to keep a journal nearby. Write down the Scriptures that stand out to you, the prayers you pray, the questions you wrestle with, and the ways you see God working. My hope is that, by the end of these five weeks, you'll not only have pages filled with notes but a heart that has been refreshed, renewed, and drawn closer to God.

Like the psalmist, may this become the desire of our hearts: "The one thing I ask of the Lord-the thing I seek the most-is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord's perfections and meditating in His Temple." Psalm 27:4 NLT

May this retreat become an invitation to come away, be renewed, and return strengthened for whatever God has prepared for you.

Our Journey Together

Session One - Arrive

Preparing Your Heart

Session Two - Be Still

Learning to Listen

Session Three - Remain

Abiding in Christ

Session Four - Release

Surrendering Your Burdens

Session Five - Keep Moving Forward

Living Brave Heartedly

Before We Begin

Take a moment to set aside every distraction.

Quiet your heart before the Lord, remembering that He is already waiting to meet with you.

As the Lord reminds us, "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10 NLT

Ask Him to make you attentive to His voice, open to His leading, and willing to follow wherever He leads.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for inviting me into Your presence. As I begin this retreat, quiet the distractions within me and around me. Prepare my heart to receive Your Word, renew my mind with Your truth, and strengthen my faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. Help me not simply to read these sessions, but to encounter You in a fresh and personal way. Teach me to listen, to trust, to remain in You, to surrender what I have been carrying, and to walk Brave Heartedly in the purpose You have prepared for my life. As Jesus invited His disciples to come away and rest, I accept the invitation today. Draw me closer to You. Refresh my soul. Transform me from the inside out and let the time I spend with You bear lasting fruit in every area of my life. May these next five weeks deepen my love for You, strengthen my faith, and equip me to follow wherever You lead. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Many Blessings,

Rev. Maria Guzman

Founder of Brave Hearted Ministry