Before you begin your retreat, pause for a few moments to pay attention to your own breathing. Take three deep breaths. Know that you are in the loving presence of God, who is with you as you continue this journey of growth and discovery.

John 14:23

Whoever loves me will keep my word,and my Father will love him,and we will come to himand make our dwelling with him.

Jesus came to teach us about God our Father. God, the one who creates and sustains all life, wants to be known by the most intimate of names. God is our Father, who wants to share his life with us and to help us to be as close to him as we can. Jesus came to teach us how to achieve this closeness to God. As followers of Jesus' word, God dwells in us.

What is it I want to say to God who is dwelling within me?

What can I do to nurture our relationship? How can I share that relationship with others?

(Speak to God our Father using these or your own words.)

God, our Father, and father of Jesus Christ, you promised to be with us until the end of time. Thank you for sharing your life with me and helping me to follow Jesus, your Son.