Before beginning your retreat, pause for a few moments and focus your attention on your breathing. Take several deep breaths. Be aware of God's loving presence within you.

Ruth 1:16

But Ruth said, "Do not ask me to abandon or forsake you! For wherever you go I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge, your people shall be my people, and your God my God."

Friendships develop over time. Sometimes we don't fully recognize how deep a friendship is until it is tested. Our human friendships can teach us valuable lessons about our friendship with God. The Holy Spirit calls us to friendship with God, and then it's up to us how we will respond. Prayer is one way we keep our friendship with God healthy and strong. If we come to God with an open heart and are willing to be patient and to make the effort to keep our relationship alive, when our faith is tested we will discover what a faithful friend God is.

What qualities of human friendship do I practice in my relationship with God?

How do I show respect in my relationship with friends? with God?

(Speak to Jesus using this prayer or one of your own.)

Jesus, you call us friends because you have taught us all that you learned from your Father. Help me to grow in that friendship and to remain faithful to prayer.