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Spiritual Retreat Effect

 

 

Spiritual Retreat Effect

 

I do not think that the retreat is just a period of time spent with God to study his word and pray and that’s it. Ending to be a duty or an obligation without any effects.

But I know that the morning retreat is a spiritual recharge where its effects stays with you throughout the day, the company with God is not limited to the time of retreat during prayer, but to live the whole day in the company of the Lord, facing life through him, feeling his presence under all circumstances and in your business and meetings, and so your life becomes a prayer, as was expressed by St. Basil the Great, saying :

" Prayer is a union with God in all moments and ways of life, and so life becomes one prayer without interruption or disturbance"

This was what prophet David said in the Psalm " I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved" (Psalm 16:8).

Accordingly, the morning retreat is the starting point for a life in the presence of the Lord, engaging God in all our actions and thoughts to know his will in all what we intend to do and all that our hands stretch to, as one of the fathers said: "The aim of prayer in our life is to exist in the presence of God and the involvement of God in all our actions and thoughts, and know his will"

Therefore, throughout the day make sure you remember: -

1 - you have handed your life to the Lord on this day, he is responsible for it, " Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phillippians 6:4,7).

2 - you live in his presence so be awake and conservative of mistakes.

3 - God leads your life through the events of the day, be sure to know his will and his opinion in every step.

4 - He dwells in you by His Spirit to face life through you, therefore be sure to:

a. To look at people through his eye                         

                                    b. To listen to them through his ears.                         

c. to love them through his heart .                             

d. to talk to them with his tongue .                            

e. to think of them through his mind.                           

5 - remember throughout the day the voice of the Lord to you during the morning retreat, and practice what you got out from this retreat.

6 - In the evening, question yourself to know how many times you were successful, and how many times you failed, and ask the Lord to forgive you for the times of failure, and thank him for the times of success. The next day train yourself on living your life in the presence of the Lord, through which the retreat will have fruitful effects and a blessed impact on your life.