As you begin your retreat, free your mind of distractions. Breathe deeply several times. Open your mind and heart to God.
1 Samuel 3:10
[T]he LORD came and revealed his presence, calling out as before, "Samuel, Samuel!" Samuel answered, "Speak, for your servant is listening."
The Lord called Samuel three times before Samuel recognized the Lord as the caller. We can be like that too. We know that God is present to us in our daily activities and in the people we encounter, but sometimes we don't recognize the sacred in the heat of the moment. Sometimes we need to be nudged into recognizing God in what we perceive as interruptions in our schedules. Sometimes we need to be knocked over!
What circumstances has God used over the years to get my attention?
How do I pay attention to God's gentle nudges in my life?
(Pray, using these words or those of your own.)
Teach me Lord to hear you and to answer, "Here I am Lord.".
Amen.