Brave Hearted Ministry Summer Retreat: Session One: Arrive

Brave Hearted Ministry Summer Retreat

Session One — Arrive

Preparing Your Heart

“Come close to God, and God will come close to you.” — James 4:8 (NLT)

Hello Brave Hearted Steppers,

Retreat Moment

Before you begin this session, take a deep breath.

Slow down.

Release the noise of the day.

Ask the Holy Spirit to settle your heart.

This is not just another reading or study. This is a divine appointment with your Heavenly Father.

If possible, find a quiet space where you can be still for a few moments before continuing.

Welcome & Reflection

Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to truly arrive?

We may be physically present, yet mentally still carrying conversations, responsibilities, or concerns from earlier in the day. Even when we desire to meet with God, our hearts can feel scattered.

Before God transforms our direction, He often invites us to slow down.

Before He speaks, He invites us to listen.

Before we move forward, He invites us to simply come.

That is where this retreat begins—not with doing, but with arriving in the presence of God.

Throughout Scripture, we see Jesus consistently inviting people away from the noise of life and into communion with Him. His invitation is not rushed or demanding. It is gentle.

It is personal.

It is loving.

And today, that same invitation is extended to you.

Key Scriptures

James 4:8 (NLT)

“Come close to God, and God will come close to you.”

“Come close” The phrase “come close” comes from the Greek word engizō, meaning to draw near, approach, or intentionally move toward someone. This is not passive—it is an intentional step toward God. And in response, God promises to draw near to us.

Psalm 46:10 (NLT)

“Be still, and know that I am God!”

“Be still” The Hebrew word raphah means to let go, release, or cease striving. Being still before God is not inactivity—it is surrender. It is releasing control so we can recognize His sovereignty.

Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”

“Guard your heart” In Scripture, the heart represents the center of thought, emotion, desire, and decision. To guard the heart is to be intentional about what we allow to shape our inner life, because everything flows from it.

Matthew 11:28 (NLT)

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

Reflection Questions

Take a few quiet moments with the Lord and reflect:

• What is currently occupying most of my attention and thoughts?
• What distractions do I need to lay before God?
• What am I hoping God will do in my heart during this retreat?
• Where do I feel spiritually tired or overwhelmed?
• What would it look like for me to truly “arrive” in God’s presence today?

Journal Prompts

Write honestly before the Lord:

• “Lord, right now I feel…”
• “What is most distracting me from Your presence is…”
• “In this season, I need You to…”
• “During this retreat, I desire to grow in…”
• “God is inviting me today to…”

Pause, Pray, Take 30!

One of the things we practice at Brave Hearted Ministry is the Pause, Pray, Take 30! method.

Throughout your day, take intentional moments to reconnect with God. Simply pause, pray for 30 seconds, and then continue your day. These small moments help keep your heart centered on Christ and remind you that He is present in every moment.

”Never stop praying.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT)

Today’s Pause Prompt

Pause and thank God for one blessing in your life right now.

Take 30 seconds. Breathe. Thank Him sincerely. Let gratitude quiet your heart.

Practice

This week, practice arriving in God’s presence intentionally each day.

Choose one or more:

• Spend 10 uninterrupted minutes with God each morning.
• Read James 4:8 daily and reflect on what it means to draw near.
• Complete at least one Pause, Pray, Take 30! moment each day.
• Journal one way you experienced God’s presence each evening.
• End each day by thanking God for three specific blessings.

Spiritual growth is not rushed—it is cultivated through consistency and grace-filled steps.

Prayer

Father God,

Thank You for inviting me into Your presence.

Today I choose to slow down and arrive before You. Quiet every distraction within me and around me. Prepare my heart to receive Your Word and to hear Your voice clearly.

Search my heart, Lord. Remove anything that is hindering my relationship with You. Replace anxiety with peace, striving with rest, and confusion with clarity.

Help me not only to read these words but to encounter You in a real and personal way. Teach me to draw near, to listen, and to remain open to Your leading.

As I begin this retreat, I accept Your invitation to come away and rest in You.

Draw me closer each day.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Brave Hearted Challenge

Before the next session, take a moment to notice how God is already at work in your life.

Write in your journal:

• One moment this week where you sensed God’s presence
• One answered prayer
• One area where God is giving you peace

If you feel comfortable, share your reflection on the blog to encourage others on their Brave Hearted journey.

Your story matters more than you realize.

Brave Hearted Blessing

May your heart become increasingly aware of God’s presence.

May you find peace in stillness, strength in His Word, and joy in His nearness.

May every distraction lose its grip as you learn to draw closer to Jesus.

And may you walk forward in confidence, knowing you are deeply loved, faithfully led, and never alone.

Walk Brave Heartedly.

Rev. Maria Guzman

Founder of Brave Hearted Ministry

Sneak Peek

Session Two — Be Still: Learning to Listen

In our next session, we will learn how to quiet our hearts so we can recognize God’s voice more clearly in the midst of life’s noise.