As you begin your retreat, pause for a few moments and allow yourself to grow still. Let go of any distracting thoughts. Take several slow, deep breaths. Feel God's loving gaze upon you.
Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding,A spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD.
Isaiah speaks of what we might think of as God's vision for the world. As followers of Jesus, we are called to notice those who are marginalized by things such as poverty, illness, grief, racism, or injustice and to act with mercy, caring for the whole person in Jesus' name. As we do God's work, the spirit of God shall rest also on us.
How would you describe God's vision for the world?
At this time, what Gift of the Spirit would best help me to provide for the needs of those around me?
(Pray to Jesus using these words or those of your own.)
Jesus, you did all things with great love. Help me to know the movement of the Spirit in my life so that I might fulfill your desires for me.