Before you begin your retreat, prepare yourself by closing your eyes for a moment and breathing deeply. When you are ready, open your eyes and continue.

Mark 10:15

Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.

Children are dependent on adults, and yet, from a young age they desire their independence. Whether it is walking on their own or turning on a lamp, they want to do it themselves. But even as they accomplish the task on their own, they want to make sure the adult is watching and noticing. Jesus asks us to have that same quality when we are working to bring about the kingdom of God. We work to make the kingdom known here and now, but we look to God to be with us as we make it known.

What am I doing to maintain an open, unconditional acceptance of the Spirit, as children do?

Is something keeping me from being open to the movement of the Spirit in my life?

(Speak to God the Father, using this prayer or one of your own.)

Father, free me from the trappings of life that prevent my openness to you. Help me to regain that wide-eyed innocence that comes with trust. Free me to be your child.