Retreatant Voices:  A Litany

“My stay has been wonderful.… The serene setting is beautiful, the quiet and stillness are

  refreshing … and the quarters are homey.  One really can feel God working here, away 

  from the hustle of one’s daily life and routine – and away from the distractions of ‘the

  world.’”

      R:  Bless our retreatants – those who have been here and those who are to come.

“In the dark stillness of this hermitage, I feel embraced by the Holy, affirmed in my

 Creator’s love, blessed by the gentleness of this place, and renewed to return to my

 world….”

R:  We give thanks for this sacred place of restoration and renewal.

“God is here.  Thank you for permitting me the joy and privilege of experiencing God’s

  presence in this place.”

R:  We give thanks for the beauty of this place, where immersed in nature one can feel God’s embrace.

“This place has nurtured my soul.  The gift of silence and solitude, in the company of

  others who yearn, is a gift beyond words….”

 R:  We give thanks for this sacred space – for silence, prayer, and solitude.

“ … So far my experience has been one of discovery.  I just completed walking the

 Labyrinth.  What an experience!!  It is my life!  At first things were pretty easy, the path

 was clear, and I was comfortably near the center.  Then I started moving out.  This

 brought some level of uneasiness; but the ropes were still plainly visible, so I felt

 reassured.  Every now and then I came to an obstacle; but I found that obstacle not only

 to be a barrier, but also the source of strength as I used it to support me as I pulled on it

 to get around without going outside the security of the ropes.  Then, about 2/3 of the way

 through, the ropes became hidden and I had to scrape away leaves and grass so I could

 find the way.  I had to be more alert.  But I think I got overconfident as I missed a turn

 and found myself going over parts I had already traversed.  I had two choices!  I could

 just cut across the Labyrinth to a place before I made the mistake, or I could just

 continue from where I was, repeating part of my journey.  I chose to continue from

 where I found myself.  Then when I came to the area where I had made the mistake, I

 became extra vigilant – knowing that my previous overconfidence had led me to error.  I

 watched carefully, and this time I saw the rope segment that I had missed before.  I

 turned and soon found myself in the center.  I was filled with joy!  Such a simple

 experience!  But such a profound message!”

      R:  Bless our retreatants – those who have been here and those who are to come.

“Thank God for beautiful weather – blue skies and warm sunshine.

  Thank God for the refreshing waters of the lake in which to swim.

  Thank God for the sounds of nature while sitting on the beach.

  Thank God for Jesus Christ as I experienced Him during the Stations of the Cross.

  Thank God for co-creating this place of refuge, retreat, and peace….”

R:  We give thanks for the beauty of this place, where immersed in nature one can feel God’s embrace.

 “… a piece of heaven on earth – no phones, no television, and the quiet of nature.  God

   is truly able to speak to me with clarity.”

R:  We give thanks for this sacred space – for silence, prayer, and solitude.

                                                    “Soul longing

   Oasis found

a mirage perhaps

   Spirit says no

      refreshing

         rejuvenating

Peaceful solitude

   tranquil respite

      direly needed

Wind in the treetops

   rain on the leaves

      Chimes

   rest

           rest         

                   rest

Tearing myself away

I journey on …”

        R:  We give thanks for this sacred place of restoration and renewal.

“A cabin nestled in the woods.  Wide open space to see the tops of the trees and the

  rippling waters.  A cozy fire with dancing flames.  Sanctuary!”

R:  We give thanks for the beauty of this place, where immersed in nature one can feel God’s embrace.

 “Thank you for co-creating with God a place of rest, a place of restoration, a place of

   creativity, and a place of holiness.  May God continue to bless this ministry …”

R:  May this continue to be a place where, in silence and solitude, spirits are renewed.  AMEN!