Reflections on My Prayer Retreat at Twin Rocks Friends Camp

This summer I embarked on an enlightening prayer retreat at Twin Rocks Friends Camp on the Oregon Coast, and I thought I would share with you some highlights from the trip. This personal, self-guided retreat was a much-needed opportunity to reconnect with God and engage in deep contemplation, silence, and the beauty of nature after a particularly busy year of ministry work.

On the first day, I packed my car with the essentials, bid farewell to my wife and children, and set off north along the Oregon coast. I spent a lot of time that morning singing in the car as I wound my way up the scraggly and scared coastline. A few hours later with a quick grocery stop in Lincoln City—such a charming town—I arrived at the cabin around 4 PM. As soon as I stepped onto the grounds, it was clear that this was the perfect setting for a reflective retreat. After getting settled in I spent some time exploring the grounds and snapped some stunning photos for the blog, celebrating the natural beauty surrounding me. Dinner was shared with a list of my favorite Bible teachers as I ate alone in the picturesque cabin and watched lectures on my laptop. As I prepared for bed that evening, I worked on my prayer list and my goal list for the upcoming year. It was great to be able to set aside that time to get reoriented without all the distractions of everyday life.

The second day began early—at 4 AM (yes, really!). I delved into a devotional from Quies.org and deepened my practice of lectio divina (sacred reading). Breakfast on the porch was a moment of pure bliss as I soaked in the serene atmosphere. The silence served as a gentle reminder of my journey over the past few years, a time when I had embraced solitude, having spent much of my adult life in intentional isolation and contemplation. It also filled me with gratitude for the life I have now compared to what I had (and didn’t have) back then. This day brought with it a prayer for personal and communal needs from my list, study time where I engaged with the book of Genesis, and simply a precious stillness that refueled me from the inside out.

On my final day at the Friend’s Camp, I rose again early for prayer and reflection. After breakfast and some tidying up, I left the cabin to its silent forest and drove myself back down the mountain and back onto the highway, heading home. I carried with me the peacefulness that had been encouraged in that place. On my way home I made a point to stop at various bookstores such as St. Vincent’s or the Goodwill and along the way I was afforded more time to praise God in singing, a wonderful way to integrate the past few days into the future of my work.

This retreat was more than just a series of activities; it was an opportunity for deep reflection and insight. I can still remember venturing out on some of the beautiful nature trails they offer, which were truly splendid. There is a walking bridge across the highway that leads to a gorgeous beach, and the shower facilities, located down the mountain near the front office, were updated, clean, and provided plenty of hot water. Whether you are a busy pastor, Bible teacher, or a believer seeking silence and time for prayer, I would encourage you to carve out some time from your busy schedule for a retreat at Twin Rocks Friends Camp on the Oregon coast. Step away from the hustle and bustle, reconnect with nature and with your God in the stillness.

You will be amazed at the transformation it brings!