In February 2009, on our back patio, my wife and I were praying and reflecting on my life. As I contemplated major changes, we both felt it was time for a solo spiritual journey—a break from running my company to truly hear the voice of God. I soon planned a weeklong trip to Philadelphia, Colorado, and Alaska. The trip was a unique blend of intention and spontaneity—adventurous, spiritual, community-focused, and deeply reflective. It marked the beginning of understanding how important it is to quiet our souls and listen to God’s voice. Since then, I’ve taken several more trips like this, guided my wife on a marital version, shared a father-son version with my son, and now look forward to helping others find God’s voice in a loud, fast-paced world. Here are a few tips if you're feeling a transition or simply a need to refocus on God.
As you consider the topic of a pilgrimage, the mindset you carry with you is of utmost importance. The journey itself is more than a physical travel—it’s a spiritual path, guided by God’s orchestration. This trip is not merely a result of your own planning but a blessing from God, who has aligned all the pieces to make it possible. Whether you’re stepping away from work, responsibilities, or family, there are those who may be sacrificing at home for you to make this pilgrimage, and it is vital to acknowledge their love and support. In this, the trip begins with deep gratitude for the ones you leave at home. The trip isn’t about rushing to a destination or fulfilling a checklist; it’s about surrendering to God’s guidance and letting Him lead you through the process. You’ve been invited by Him to encounter something new—whether it’s His presence in nature, His voice in moments of solitude, or the peace that surpasses understanding during prayer or meeting with a Christian leader.
Why Take a Pilgrimage?
Pilgrimages have been an integral part of Christian faith for centuries. For some, it’s about finding clarity in life’s transitions, or perhaps to deepen a marriage through shared spiritual reflection. The purpose of the voyage is to create space to draw nearer to God.
The pilgrimage doesn’t need to be a 7 day adventure—our anniversary trips are always 3-4 days with our kids and work being left at home a longer time away isn’t feasible. These destinations of God’s beauty—whether it’s the grandeur of the mountains or the serenity of the ocean—are reminders of His majesty and His power to create and sustain life. Here, you can encounter His presence in the whisper of the wind, the crashing of waves, or the stillness of the forest.
Asking God for Guidance in Life’s Transitions
A pilgrimage is also an opportunity to seek God’s wisdom during moments of transition. Whether you are facing career changes, uncertain future plans, or decisions that affect your family, there’s no better time than now to ask God to guide your steps. Being away from the usual noise of life allows you to be more attuned to His voice. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
As you walk, pray, and reflect, ask God to speak into those areas where you need clarity. Whether it’s a fork in the road or a difficult decision, this time apart can provide the space for God to illuminate the path ahead.
Honoring Loved Ones: A Journey of Remembrance and Release
For those grieving the loss of a loved one, a pilgrimage can be a deeply healing experience. It’s a sacred space to remember, honor, and ultimately, release that family member into God’s care. Grief can be overwhelming, and often, it takes time to truly surrender that pain to God. On a pilgrimage, whether you light a candle in their memory, whisper their name into the breeze, or simply sit in silence with God, the act of intentionally remembering them in a holy space can be transformative.
In those quiet moments, ask God to help you lay down the burdens of grief, not forgetting the loved one, but giving them to God fully, trusting in His promise of eternal life. It’s a process of release, not only for the loved one but for yourself—finding peace in knowing that they are held in God’s loving arms.
Marriages: Strengthening Your Bond Through Pilgrimage
For married couples, a pilgrimage can be a powerful rhythm of renewal. In the midst of life’s busyness, it’s easy to lose sight of each other and of God’s role in your marriage. Taking time together to journey with intentionality can refresh and deepen the bond between husband and wife. This is especially important when the routine of life tends to wear down communication and intimacy.
In 2025, we will have the privilege of leading a pilgrimage for other couples, guiding them in their journey not only toward one another but toward God. Whether you’re celebrating a joyful season or working through difficult chapters, a pilgrimage invites couples to reconnect, pray together, and seek God’s plan for their union.
God’s vision for marriage is one of unity, love, and shared purpose, and a pilgrimage offers the space to nurture this. As you walk hand-in-hand through sacred places or God’s natural beauty, let it be a reminder of the journey you’ve been on together. Use this time to reflect on how far you’ve come, where God has led you, and the future He has planned for you as a couple.
Closing Thoughts
Pilgrimage is a sacred invitation from God, a time set apart to seek Him, listen to His voice, and find rest in His presence. Whether you are journeying alone, with your spouse, or in remembrance of a loved one, trust that this time has been orchestrated for you. Be grateful, relax, and let God guide you through each step of the process. Wherever you find yourself—on a mountain top, meeting with a spiritual guide, near the ocean, or in a quiet chapel—know that God is with you, leading the way forward.
Where will my next trip be? Maybe a Boot Camp at Rise Up Kings in Dallas, a ministry that does events for men leading them to physical and spiritual renewal. Or a snow trip in the mountains of Colorado. I don’t yet know, but when it comes I will embrace it.
Questions for Discussion:
1. How can pilgrimages help us process grief and surrender our pain to God more fully?
2. What are some ways couples can use pilgrimages to renew and deepen their relationship with God and each other?
3. In what ways can we hear God’s voice more clearly during times of transition when we set apart intentional time with Him?