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Busy Person's Retreat

Every year, Dominican University offers a Busy Person's Retreat, and
the sisters serve as Retreat Guides. This year the retreat will be offered
from March 19th through March 23rd, with readings and opportunities to
meet on four days. Please join us on this retreat online here. And best of all,
you are not limited by this week. You can refer to the readings and reflections
at a time that is convenient for you. Please scroll down for links.

The Theme of this Retreat is
Going Gratitudinal

How to Pray with Scripture and Use this Guide

1. When you pray, set aside a half-hour when you can be in private…that means finding a place of your own. Turn off the ringer on your phone. Your chosen place may be a bench off the beaten path; it may be in your room. If you cannot find a good place the chapel is a good option where you will not be interrupted.
   
   
2. Sit quietly for a few minutes and become aware of your breathing, the feel of your body, the sounds of nature around you. Then ask God to help you clear your mind of worries and schedules of the day.
   
   
3. We have provided two passages for your reflection. One is a daily Scripture passage; the second is a prayerful thought for each day.
   
   
4. Praying with Scripture involves a few steps:
   
   
   • Slowly read the passage once (out loud if it helps)
     
     
   • Read the passage again, pausing at a phrase that catches your eyes and moves you to think more about it.
     
     
   • Reflect on the phrase that caused you to stop. For example, if the phrase you stopped on is "God only is my rock and salvation," you might think about how you sometimes wander from God, how God is truly your rock, how you feel assured by God that this is true. Repeat the phrase so that you may associate it with your daily life. If you are having a hard time with reflecting, ask yourself some of the reflection questions provided for each passage.
     
     
   • Pray to God. That means talk directly and freely to God about the passage or phrase you are reflecting on. Speak to God as a friend who has come in times of aid, ask for strength to understand and learn. Thank God when you feel thankful. Do not be embarrassed to be honest with God about any of your thought.
     
     
   • Continue reading the passages, pausing at all of the pieces of it that you feel drawn to. First reflect, then pray with them too.
     
     
   • Do this until you have completed the passage.
     
     
5. If you finish the passage before a half-hour is up, continue to sit silently in God's presence, journal about your reflections and feelings, or talk to God freely. End your prayer by reading the suggested prayer for each day.

Below are links to the retreat readings, reflections, and aids

Retreat - Day One

Retreat - Day Two

Retreat - Day Three

Retreat - Day Four

Quotes

For the Future