As you begin your retreat, free your mind of distractions. Breathe deeply several times. Open your mind and heart to God.
Leviticus 11:44
For I, the LORD, am your God; and you shall make and keep yourselves holy, because I am holy. You shall not make yourselves unclean, then, by any swarming creature that crawls on the ground.
We are created in the image of God, baptized into the life of God. Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit. We are a holy people called to live in holiness, in response to the prompting and urging of the Spirit within us. Living in holiness is accepting that God loves us and forgives us over and over again. We in turn must love and forgive again and again.
Do I allow myself the time and peace needed to listen to the Spirit within me?
Do I make prayer a priority in my daily schedule?
(Pray, using these words or those of your own.)
Holy God, all goodness and holiness in my life come from you. Open me to receive these gifts.
Amen.