Pause for a few moments and begin to relax. Take several deep breaths, and rest in the loving presence of God.

Matthew 6:9

This is how you are to pray: Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name.

Prayer is about putting all else aside, even for a minute, and turning the spotlight away from ourselves and onto God. It's harder than it sounds. Jesus wanted his disciples to practice this kind of prayer. The Our Father is Jesus' response to his disciples' request to teach them how to pray. Prayer begins by acknowledging the presence of God. All else flows from that. When we are aware of God's presence in the daily moments of life, our life is in balance.

How do I begin my prayer? Who is the focus of my attention?

When I feel as if I don't know how to pray, how comfortable am I asking Jesus to teach me?

End your retreat by praying reflectively the words that Jesus taught us.