Welcome! The It Is Well With My Soul retreat theme provides an opportunity to discuss the struggles in life and how to draw near to God during those difficult times.
You’ll find narrative, scriptures, discussion questions, and more in this retreat theme post.
IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL NARRATIVE:
Horatio Spafford was the hymnist who wrote the lyrics to the famous hymn, “It Is Well With My Soul”.
After suffering traumatic events in his life including tragically losing five children, he used this way to express his emotions and to confirm his faith that he felt God was present during all circumstances. “When peace like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to know, It is well, it is well with my soul.”
What an inspiration Mr. Spafford provides for us. We all experience various levels of struggles along with joys in our lives. The joys are a pleasure and, thus, easy to go through.
However, being able to say ‘It is well with my soul.” during times of sorrow is a tribute to our relationship with our Father.
IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL SCRIPTURES:
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.
1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Job 5:11 The lowly he sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety.
It is Well with My Soul Upgrade Bundle
Buy the It is Well with My Soul retreat theme bundle. The bundle includes step-by-step directions, an opening prayer, a theme-specific speaker’s outline, scriptures, table talk cards, small group discussion questions, individual reflection questions, and more:
IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL ICEBREAKERS:
Blanket Name Game:
This icebreaker game from the Group Games website is a fun way to help you remember the names of your new friends at this retreat.
Fabulous 4 Corners:
The ladies will have a chance to learn more about each other with this fun, four-cornered activity, Fabulous 4 Corners.
IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL RETREAT GAMES/ACTIVITIES:
Balloon Scriptures:
The ladies will have a chance to be energized with this Balloon Scriptures activity. You can use scriptures about being thankful to make it connect with the retreat theme.
A Day in the Life:
Follow the instructions on the Women’s Ministry Toolbox website to play this entertaining game, A Day in the Life. As answers are shared you’ll uncover new information about the people in your group. Chances are you’ll discover a shared favorite restaurant or TV show.
20 Purposeful Activity Ideas:
In the post, 20 Purposeful Activity Ideas Shared by Women’s Ministry Leaders, you’ll find a wonderful variety of ideas for activities to use at your retreat. Enjoy glancing through the article and choosing the ones that you feel will work best with your theme.
IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- How do you think Mr. Spafford (who wrote the hymn “It Is Well With My Soul”) drew such strength from God in such a horrendous situation?
- What have you done after a stressful event to draw closer to God?
- Who inspires you on how to react when a personal tragedy has occurred?
IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL CRAFTS:
Lavender Body Butter
Make this lavender body butter recipe from The Frugal Girls website to pamper yourself or to share with a friend.
Polymer Clay Pens
Molding clay is a great way to be still and focus. Use the Polymer Clay Pens craft to provide a calming activity that also gives everyone a great, practical takeaway.
Faithful Frames and Prayer Plaques
Our Faithful Frames and Prayer Plaques craft gives ladies a chance to create a beautiful keepsake based on their favorite verses and deepest prayers.
IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL SONG SUGGESTIONS:
It Is Well With My Soul–by Matt Redman (listen to it on YouTube HERE)
Blessing and Honor–by Phillips Craig & Dean (listen to it on YouTube HERE)
Hold On to Me–by Elevation Worship (listen to it on YouTube HERE)
IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL PRIZE IDEAS:
Scripture Necklace
Sunflowers – Gorgeous Artificial Floral Arrangement
It is Well with My Soul Wall Art
IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL CLOSING PRAYER:
Dear Lord, thank you for bringing us together to talk about the hard times as well as the good times. Life brings a multitude of experiences which aren’t always uplifting. Having the ability to focus on you, God, during those difficult times bring us a strength and comfort that is beyond what anything in this earthly world can do. Please remind us of that fact when our emotions take over and keep us from drawing near to you. Amen.
More Resources for Women’s Retreats
101 Retreat Theme Ideas for Christian Women
Free – New Beginnings Retreat Theme
Free – Joy in Jesus Retreat Theme
How to Plan a Women's Retreat
It is Well with My Soul Upgrade Bundle
Buy the It is Well with My Soul retreat theme bundle. The bundle includes step-by-step directions, an opening prayer, a theme-specific speaker’s outline, scriptures, table talk cards, small group discussion questions, individual reflection questions, and more:
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Miriam says
Hi Julie, Just want to say thank you so so much for all your help and ideas to hold a successful Women’s Retreat. I am the women’s ministry leader of my church, and I have used the “One Year Done ” and completed the entire year.
The ladies have truly enjoyed and have been blessed upon belief. The Lord had blessed you with wonderful gifts. Your themes are incredible and easy to understand. Even though I’m almost 70 years old, I’m still employed , so for
me, I need not worry., because of your efforts and dedication to helping us women have a successful Christ centered retreat. I look forward to future themes ideas and your creativity. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
May our Lord Jesus Christ continue to work in and through you, and may He bless you abundantly
With a grateful heart,
Miriam
Julie Pfeifer says
Miriam, thank you so much for your kind words. I am so thankful for this ministry where I can ‘meet’ people like you. My prayer is to be able to continue to help ministry leaders bring women together in Christ’s name. ~Much love to you! Julie
Lisa Appelo says
Thank you for these suggetsions, Julie. This is a retreat/event theme I speak on often — we need deep assurance that the infinite treasures in God anchor us when things aren’t well with our circumstances.
Julie Pfeifer says
Yes, exactly! Thank you, Lisa!