Before you begin your retreat, pause for a few moments to set aside distractions. Know that you are in the loving presence of God, who is with you on this faith journey of growth and discovery.

1 Kings 19:12

After the earthquake there was a fire-but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound.

God was in the whisper. Elijah, not having seen the Lord in the drama and power of wind, earthquake, and fire, noticed and responded to God when he spoke in a tiny whisper. Whispers have great power in human interactions. Being close enough to God to hear his whispers can be challenging amid all of life's distractions. Prayer offers a good opportunity for us to speak to God and to listen in return for his whisper.

Am I comfortable with silence?

What sounds in my life might prevent me from hearing God's whisper? What noise in my mind might also interfere?

(Listen for God's whisper. Speak to the Lord using these words or words of your own.)

Lord, I'm listening.