"Be still, and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:10Step away from the noise. Enter into silence. Discover the quiet place where God meets you.
Four times daily, our community gathers in the chapel to pray. Guests are always welcome to join—or simply know that prayer is being offered on their behalf.
Morning prayer to greet the new day with gratitude
A brief pause to recenter in the middle of the day
Evening prayer as day transitions to night
Night prayer to close the day in peaceful surrender
All prayer offices are held in our chapel and open to visitors.
View the Chapel
Stillwater Retreat was founded in 1987 by a small community of contemplatives seeking to share the gift of silence with a noisy world. What began as a single farmhouse has grown into an 80-acre sanctuary.
We are rooted in the Christian contemplative tradition while welcoming seekers of all backgrounds. Our approach is ecumenical, drawing wisdom from Benedictine, Ignatian, and Celtic streams.
Whether you come for an hour or a week, our prayer is that you would encounter the God who waits for you in the stillness.
These time-tested practices create space for encounter with God. During your retreat, you'll be introduced to practices suited to your spiritual journey.
A method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, opening our minds and hearts to God beyond words.
20 minutesSacred reading of Scripture—a slow, contemplative approach to engaging with the Word that invites transformation.
30-45 minutesMindful walking through our grounds, bringing awareness to each step as a form of moving prayer.
15-30 minutesAn ancient practice of walking a winding path as a metaphor for the spiritual journey—releasing, receiving, returning.
20-40 minutesA daily review of consciousness, noticing where God was present and where we may have missed the invitation.
15 minutesSimply being present in silence, without agenda, allowing God to work in the depths of our being.
OpenFrom single-day refreshers to week-long immersions, find the retreat that meets you where you are.
Featured
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Five Days of Guided Silence
Enter into extended silence with the support of daily spiritual direction, communal meals, and the rhythm of the Daily Office. This retreat offers space for deep listening and renewal.
Weekend Immersion
Learn the foundations of centering prayer, lectio divina, and other contemplative practices in a supportive community setting.
Monthly Day Retreat
A single day set apart for silence, prayer, and rest. Includes access to all sacred spaces, optional spiritual direction, and a contemplative lunch.
Our grounds are designed to invite encounter—with nature, with silence, with God. Wander freely and discover the space that speaks to your soul.
Our intimate stone chapel seats 40 and hosts the Daily Office. Simple, unadorned, with natural light streaming through clear glass windows.
A classical 11-circuit Chartres-style labyrinth set in a meadow, offering a walking meditation path for releasing, receiving, and returning.
A walled garden with benches, a small fountain, and plantings chosen for their symbolic and sensory qualities. A place to sit with God.
Three miles of wooded trails wind through our 80-acre property, with stations for prayer and benches for rest along the way.
Our trained spiritual directors offer one-on-one guidance for those seeking deeper connection with God. Each brings unique gifts to the sacred work of accompaniment.
Director of Spiritual Formation
A Benedictine sister with 30 years of experience in spiritual direction, Sr. Margaret Anne specializes in guiding people through major life transitions and deepening contemplative practice.
Available Monday - Thursday
Retreat Director
An ordained priest and trained spiritual director, Fr. David brings 20 years of retreat leadership and a gentle, listening presence to those seeking God.
Available Tuesday - Saturday
Contemplative Psychologist
Holding both a PhD in psychology and certification in spiritual direction, Sarah integrates therapeutic wisdom with contemplative traditions for deep healing work.
Available Wednesday - Friday
Grounds & Prayer Guide
A lay brother who tends our gardens and leads walking meditations, Thomas embodies the connection between nature, labor, and prayer.
Available Daily (outdoor practices)
"I came to Stillwater burned out and empty. I left with a renewed sense of purpose and a practice that sustains me daily. The silence was terrifying at first—then it became the greatest gift."
"Spiritual direction with Sr. Margaret Anne changed my life. For the first time, I felt truly heard—not just by her, but by God through her."
"The labyrinth walk brought up things I had been avoiding for years. In that slow, winding path, I finally found the courage to surrender them."
Whether you're seeking rest, direction, or a deeper relationship with God, we're here to walk alongside you. Take the first step into stillness.