As you begin your retreat, pause for a moment. Take several deep breaths, and allow yourself to grow still. Be aware of God's loving presence within you.
Matthew 22:37-39
He said to him, "You shall love the LORD, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
The Ten Commandments present us with a way of life. The first three commandments describe how we show our love for God, and the next seven describe how to live in relationship with one another. Jesus condensed these commandments into two and made their impact clear: love is to be the law of our life. Love is the basis for our relationship with God and others. It's easy to slip into behaviors of putting other things in our life ahead of God and, consequently, ahead of our concern for others. Striving to make love the law of our life guarantees that we keep love of God and others the top priority.
Is there something in my life right now that is more important than God?
How do the choices I make show that God is more important to me than anything or anyone else?
(Speak to Jesus using this prayer or one that you choose.)
God of Love, I desire to love you with all my heart, soul, and mind. Teach me to live your law of love.
Amen.