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

2 Samuel 12:13

Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD."

In First and Second Samuel we learn the story of David, a great king who made bad choices. He let his envy of another man lead to adultery and then murder. Confronted by the prophet Nathan, David showed his greatness in another way: repentance. He did not excuse, minimize, or try to fix blame elsewhere for his sin. Rather, he accepted his sinfulness, asked for forgiveness, and accepted the consequences. Learning from our mistakes is a hard way to learn, but it's usually very effective. From David's lineage would come Jesus, the one who sets all of us free from sin.

How do I react when confronted by my own sin?

How firmly do I believe in God's unconditional love and mercy?

(Speak to God, using these words or others that come to mind for you.)

God of mercy and justice, you generously forgive us when we repent of our sins. Help me to trust in your unconditional love for me.