As you begin your retreat, take some time to quiet yourself. Pay attention to your breathing. Take some long, deep breaths, relax, and become aware of God's loving presence.

Exodus 2:10

When the child grew, she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter, who adopted him as her son and called him Moses; for she said, "I drew him out of the water."

The name Moses is probably derived from the Egyptian word for "has been born," referring to Moses' being "born" to the Pharaoh's daughter when he was pulled from the waters of the Nile. Later Moses followed the will of God and helped to "give birth" to the freedom of the Hebrews by saving them from Egyptian slavery. In our own times, there are people around us who need to be freed from the slavery of poverty, prejudice, abuse, and neglect. They cry out for a "Moses" to save them. Who will step forward?

What are the things or habits in my life that "enslave" me?

How can I be more free to help those around me who are crying out for freedom?

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

Saving God, free me from those things that bind me to earthly pleasures. Help me become more aware of where you are leading me and what you are calling me to do.