From the Church of the Good Shepherd’s Womens’ 2011 Retreat:
Sacred Space / Sacred Time
Quiet Time Prayer Practices
Silence and Solitude
Jesus during his time on earth pulled away from the crowds and sought solitary places to pray. We all need to be intentional about the practice of pulling away from our hectic lives to sit and be quiet before the Lord.
Use this time however you like, as long as you are respectful of other’s need for silence and solitude. Try to be kind to yourself and do only what activities you really want to do. Don’t feel obligated to pray in any certain way. Ask the Lord to teach you something today, to remind you of His deep love for you.
Prayer Practices
Be Still – Silence is something we don’t often find in the world, neither is being still, and it’s not easy for us to truly be still and silent, but the value of silence, the opportunity to really sit in God’s presence is worth the effort. Give thanks for what He shares with you today.
Saying the Rosary – One of the ways we can Be Still and Silent is to use a Rosary. Prayer beads are an aid to physical and mental focus, bringing together body, mind and spirit. They help keep our mind from wandering and by the rhythm of the prayer, we are led to that place of stillness and Peace in His Presence. Prayer Books are in the Chapel as are extra rosaries if you didn’t bring your own.
Prayer Books – don’t know what to pray? No one prays the same as anyone else. And each of us will have a favorite type of prayer, something that comes naturally and brings us that peace we all strive for. Don’t know where to start? Pick up a Book of Common Prayer. Open it. You’ll be amazed.
Journal Writing – make note of the word or phrase that has struck you as important so far this weekend. Reflect on the scriptures for the day and write what they mean to you.
Letter to God – Write a letter to God about your life, how it is going. Then say a prayer asking the Lord to respond back. Then flip it over and write what you think He would say back to you.
Lexio Divinia – God’s word is alive and active so read a favorite passage or psalm or use the scripture that is the center of this retreat; Hebrews 10:19-25 and simply soak in His Word. Is God speaking to you through His Word? Thank Him for His Word and Presence.
Art Table – Return to your childhood and create something, a simple piece of art to offer to God. Use the art to communicate to God how you’re feeling today, what you need from him, or as an expression of praise for God.
Simplified Ignatian Awareness Examen – Noticing God – For what have you been thankful this week? Least thankful? Where do you notice that God has been moving in your life.
On the Internet – Once home, you may want to try other prayer practices. We’ve only touched the tip of the iceburg here. I’ve put together a blog that can be accessed easily through the TN DOK page found here: www.TNDOK.org ; choose LINKS on the top right of the page and select the first link. This will take you to the blog. Scroll through the entries, check out the archives. You’ll find more opportunities for prayer than you ever knew existed!
UPDATE ON THE JULY 24TH MEETING
