Through Ruth Haley Barton’s guidance, this retreat clears before us a spiritual path consisting of three stepping stones:
Coming Apart (strategic withdrawal from life’s battles to be alone with God)
Surrender (“abandonment to divine providence” or “relinquishing control”); and
Discernment (recognizing and responding to the presence and activity of God).
Coming Apart (strategic withdrawal from life’s battles to be alone with God)
Surrender (“abandonment to divine providence” or “relinquishing control”); and
Discernment (recognizing and responding to the presence and activity of God).
We will . . .
Experience community and conversation as we prepare our hearts and minds to enter into The Big Silence. Nurture trust as we seek to come apart with God before we fall apart from the world’s pressures. Deepen our contemplative grounding through brief daily teachings/readings to help break through obstacles and surrender to the Spirit’s guidance. Expand our capacity to listen to God through prayer, wisdom, presence, and silence. Explore optional opportunities to connect with God in the spaciousness of silence: walking the labyrinth; soaking in the beauty of nature; the sacred art of mandalas; one-on-one and/or small group processing; iconic images; and praying the Divine Hours in community—Morning, Midday, Vespers (evening), and Compline (before bed). Experience deep connection the Spirit of God. Plan to stay for the duration. Being away from the hectic world of work and home is key to The Big Silence. Going home and back will break your connection with this holy moment in a way that you may not be able to retreive. Receive rich and empowering resources for re-engaging the busyness of life with renewed strength, vitality, and clarity. |
In Preparation:
|