Before you begin your retreat, pause for a few moments and relax. Take several deep breaths and be aware of the loving presence of God within you.

Isaiah 61:1

The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted,To proclaim liberty to the captivesand release to the prisoners.

When Jesus stood in the Temple and read this passage aloud, he was proclaiming his mission-to preach, to heal, and to free those in bondage. His listeners could not have understood what they witnessed. Jesus, the one sent by God and anointed for mission, was standing in their midst. In a sense, he was giving them a head's up-this is what I am here to do. We too have been anointed and given the same mission. No one needs to look far to encounter the lowly and brokenhearted, those held captive or imprisoned. At these moments, we can recall the prophetic words of Isaiah and reach out to continue the mission of Jesus.

How has God used me today to reach out to someone in need?

How did God use someone today to reach out to me?

(Talk to God using this prayer or a prayer of your own.)

God of all that is, thank you for calling me to share the mission of your Son. Help me to speak words of freedom and glad tidings to those you send me today.