House of Prayer Retreat Center
Alva, Florida
Alva, Florida
Mission Statement
The House of Prayer Retreat Center was founded to create a sacred and peaceful space where all are welcome to come home to God, themselves, and all creation.
What Is The House Of Prayer Retreat Center?
Nestled in the unspoiled tropical woodlands of Alva, a tiny town on the Caloosahatchee River, just 15 miles east of Fort Myers, House of Prayer Retreat Center is one of Southwest Florida’s best-kept secrets. A charming retreat and spirituality center founded in 1982, the House of Prayer serves the needs of all who come seeking spiritual growth. Accommodations include five spacious guest bedrooms and two full baths, a small prayer and meditation chapel, a library stocked with spiritual reading materials, and a solar heated swimming pool.
What Is The Purpose Of The House Of Prayer?
The purpose of Mother of God House of Prayer is to serve the spiritual needs of all those who seek spiritual growth. Though Roman Catholic in foundation, the House of Prayer is available to all who desire to deepen their relationship with God, and become more aware of God’s action in all aspects of their lives.
Retreats
What Is A Retreat?
A retreat is a time to come away from our ordinary activities, to rest, pray, and invite God to renew our spirits. There are many kinds of retreats (from one to thirty days) offered at the House of Prayer. Aside from our Days of Reflection, Private and Directed Retreats are the most common.
What Is The Retreat House Like?
The House of Prayer is a “home away from home.” Retreatants enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and create the rhythm that works best for them. Guests bring and prepare their own meals when they wish in the large, full facility kitchen. We have two groceries stores less than 15 minutes away. There are five spacious and comfortable bedrooms and two full shower/baths. Four of the five bedrooms have two twin beds.
There is also a solar-heated screened swimming pool. Retreatants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.
Our grounds are especially conducive to prayer and reflection as the House of Prayer sits on more than ten wooded acres, encircled by a long, meandering creek. There is a meditation deck overlooking the water as well as a path through the woods marking the Stations of the Cross and a seven circuit brick and gravel Labyrinth. A simple Chapel with the Blessed Sacrament reserved overlooks the natural beauty of the property. Celebration of the Eucharist is available at a nearby parish.
What Is A Directed Retreat?
A directed retreat is a one-on-one retreat, usually three to eight days. Retreatants meet with a spiritual companion once each day, and through their sharing, spiritual director acts as a “soul companion” on the directee’s journey. He/she does not give directives per se; but rather guides the directee in observing, intuiting, and responding to God’s presence in their life. In a serene setting we listen more deeply for the movement of the Spirit in our lives. See “Special Events” for a listing of any scheduled directed retreats.
What Is A Private Retreat?
A private retreat is a period of silent days similar to the directed retreat, except that in a private retreat there is no meeting with a spiritual companion. Our library is available for all retreatants.
What Is An Individual Personal Renewal Retreat?
Spiritual renewal can be defined as the process of growth and transformation into the image of God. You may have spiritual direction, and or participate in one of our programs.
What Is A Group Retreat?
Many groups enjoy using the beauty of the House of Prayer for retreats. Your group is invited to rent one of our facilities for your own gathering or for a program facilitated by a staff member. We have three meeting rooms available:
- Memorial Hall: holds up to 45 people; kitchenette with small refrigerator, microwave and coffee pots; TV, VCR/DVD, CD/Tape player, White Board; 2 bathrooms; Piano. Room can be arranged with chairs or tables and chairs.
- Office Meeting Room: holds up to 30 people; kitchenette with large refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pots; TV, VCR/DVD; 2 bathrooms
- Retreat Center Lounge: Living Room with sectional sofa and chairs, which can accommodate up to 15 people. Includes TV, VCR/DVD and use of retreat center kitchen and bathrooms.