It’s the last day of my retreat. After I pray Evening Prayer in the Chapel tonight, I’ll return to Houston and a full day of work tomorrow.
On this final day, I’ve invited the lay leaders of the parish, the Vestry and the Ministry Council, to join me for the day. I made scones and served them with fruit, yogurt, and an assortment of beverages.
We began the day chatting and eating, then prayed together.
A collect for Saturdays collecting us in community.
Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary , and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN
We prayed Lectio Divina using the Gospel for tomorrow. We shared a bit, and then we moved to silence. Free until gathering at noon at the chapel for prayers. The only rule: Don’t talk. Don’t work.
Napping, reading, sitting, bike riding, walking, knitting, drawing, doing a crossroad puzzle, outside and inside.
We ended our silence with Noonday Prayers in the Chapel, followed with lively conversation during lunch in the Conference Center. More fellowship, and then we closed with Communion back in the cabin. Our Prayers of the People were for the people of St. Mary's,
praying for each member of the parish by name.
It was Sabbath.
Javier was moved... I could tell when he came home. I know he's still processing being in silence and having time to reflect and I'm just so grateful for that. :)
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