Looking for a quiet day near Boston?

Bethany House of Prayer in Arlington, Massachusetts, welcomes individuals to spend a Quiet Day on our peaceful campus just outside Boston. A quiet day is a self-guided day retreat, an opportunity to step away from the pace of daily life and enter a space of stillness, prayer, and reflection.

For many years, Bethany has welcomed clergy, ministry leaders, writers, and others actively serving in faith communities who are seeking time apart for discernment, creative renewal, or a quiet day for prayer and reflection.

Our peaceful grounds offer a contemplative setting where you can slow down, listen, and reconnect with God in a place of beauty and simplicity.

During your quiet day, you may choose to:

  • Pray or sit in silence

  • Walk the stone and grass labyrinth

  • Spend time in the gardens or along wooded paths

  • Read, journal, reflect, or simply rest in stillness

Your Quiet Day Experience

Quiet day guests have access to:

  • A simple, private meditation room or a simple private room with with bed and linens

  • Gardens, grounds, and walking paths

  • Our outdoor labyrinth

  • Complimentary coffee and tea

  • A fully equipped shared kitchen

Meals are not provided, but guests are welcome to bring their own food. A variety of cafés and restaurants are also located nearby in Arlington.

Please note:

  • During your stay, other individuals or groups may be on campus, but you will still have full access to gardens and grounds

  • St. John’s House has stairs and is not fully accessible; please let us know if you require step-free accommodations

Optional Spiritual Direction

If you would like to include spiritual direction as part of your quiet day, we are often able to help arrange a meeting with a spiritual director.

Plan Your Quiet Day

To schedule a quiet day at Bethany House of Prayer, please contact us through our Contact page to arrange a date.

We look forward to welcoming you for a day of quiet, prayer, and spiritual renewal.

Shared Quiet Day

We also offer Shared Quiet Days for those who appreciate a structured experience with shared prayer and a guiding theme, while still leaving much of the day for personal reflection. Please visit our Upcoming Events page to find the next date and learn more.