As you begin your retreat, pause for a few moments and allow yourself to grow still. Let go of any distracting thoughts. Take several slow, deep breaths. Feel God's loving gaze upon you.

Exodus 14:21-22

Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the LORD swept the sea with a strong east wind throughout the night and so turned it into dry land. When the water was thus divided, the Israelites marched into the midst of the sea on dry land, with the water like a wall to their right and to their left.

God made a promise to his people to be their guide and protector. When we experience times of personal struggle, we may feel like the Hebrews who were pursued by the Egyptians and were trapped against the Red Sea. We too may feel trapped with no way out. That is when we turn to the God of our faith, the God who led the Israelites and who promised to protect us and to lead us to safety, in the same way he led the Israelites.

Can you recall a time when your faith guided you to a place of dry land?

Has your faith in God ever led you to see things in a new light?

(Pray to God, using this prayer or one of your own.)

Faithful God, thank you for the precious gift of faith. Thank you for always being there for me, ready to help whenever I ask.