Through Henri Nouwen’s guidance, this retreat clears before us a spiritual path consisting of three stepping stones:
Solitude (learning not to be alone but to be alone with God);
Silence (the discipline by which the inner fire of God is tended and kept alive); and
Prayer (standing in the presence of God with the mind in the heart).
Solitude (learning not to be alone but to be alone with God);
Silence (the discipline by which the inner fire of God is tended and kept alive); and
Prayer (standing in the presence of God with the mind in the heart).
We will . . .
Experience community and conversation on Sunday as we prepare our hearts and minds to enter into The Big Silence. Nurture trust as we seek to move/stumble/fumble our way into the heart of Christ. Deepen our contemplative grounding through brief daily teachings/readings to help break through obstacles and illuminate The Way of the Heart. Expand our capacity to listen to God through prayer, wisdom, 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 your continued journey into the heart of Christ. |
In Preparation:
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