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. Become aware of the great love God has for you.

Matthew 7:24

Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.

Who doesn't want to be like the wise man? No one wants to devote time and money on a project only to see it fail. It pays to lay a firm, solid foundation before we take any further steps. That's what Jesus is saying. He hopes his listeners will see that the same is true about our lives. Jesus has all that we need to create a solid foundation for our lives. It takes two things - listening to Jesus and acting on what we hear. When we build our lives on Jesus' strong foundation, there will be nothing that can cause us to collapse.

How solid is the foundation upon which I've built my life?

What, if any, retrofitting do I need to do in order to get my life back on a firm foundation?

(Speak to Jesus using these words or words of your own.)

Jesus, you are the Master Builder and the firm foundation. Teach me to trust in your word and build my life on rock.