Before you begin your retreat, pause for a few moments to pay attention to your breathing. Take three deep breaths and remember that you are in the loving presence of God, who is with you as you continue this journey of growth and discovery.
Matthew 6:11-12
Give us today our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
When Jesus teaches the disciples how to pray, he identifies God as our loving Father who cares about our needs. Living in a consumer culture makes it hard sometimes for us to distinguish between our wants and our needs. The Lord's Prayer, in two sentences, names God's will, daily sustenance, forgiveness, and deliverance from evil as our basic needs. It also points out that the way God meets our needs is directly related to the way we meet the needs of others.
How can I see more clearly the wondrous ways God meets my needs each day?
Who do I need to forgive as God has forgiven me?
(Speak to your God using these words or others that come to mind for you.)
Merciful and generous God, thank you for meeting my needs. Diminish my wants and help me to reflect your mercy and generosity as I meet the needs of others.
Amen.