As you prepare for this retreat, pause for a moment. Take several deep breaths, and allow yourself to grow still. Be aware of God's loving presence within you.

Psalm 34:15

Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.

The psalmist describes a recipe for Christian living. Sounds simple, doesn't it? But look again: turn, do, seek, and pursue. Choosing to do good and seeking peace are active, life-long pursuits. Followers of Jesus are constantly called upon to make choices, the results of which are reflected in the world around us. Turn from evil. Do good. Seek peace and pursue it. These are the mantras that can encourage us when we are inclined to let things slide or take the easy way.

Turn from evil. Do good. Seek peace and pursue it.

Which mantra can help me live my Christian vocation today? Repeat it often throughout the day.

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

God of Peace, help me to make choices today that reflect your peace and goodness to others.