And thus began Beth’s adventure of expanding her heart and letting these boys lead her afresh through the catechism of a child’s simple prayer. Who is God? God will help us? What does bless mean? What I think, what I say, what I do—that stuff matters to God? Love everyone? Remember to say thank you…
Over the years, my own prayer practices have evolved and grown, especially morning prayer: Lectionary, guided meditation, Psalms, petitions, lection divina, journaling, song, silence, movement, contemplation, sacred space, great outdoors, etc. But there are times when I have quite simply, gathered up my best intent and slowly, purposefully said the prayer of a child, extending it to God as both gift and thank you, and I have known that in that moment, it was simply and graciously enough.
It has stood the test of time as I repeated these lessons with my own children and grandchildren who are now grown. And as for Beth’s twins. Derek is now in the Navy and Nick is engaged to marry soon. I hope this prayer remains in their hearts, even beyond their knowing. I pray that each day’s coming still stirs awareness, gratitude, good intent, and generosity within them and that in the gift of that day, they recognize the Giver.
Holy Questions to Prepare Our Hearts: An Advent Retreat
St. Placid's is now open for in-person retreatants. Thanks to their new Hybrid Zoom technology, folks may participate from anywhere via Zoom or those in the Seattle/Portland area may experience the full getaway of a weekend retreat in the peaceful setting of The Priory. Weekend retreatants will join the rest of us via Zoom on Friday evening, Saturday morning, and Saturday evening and have the remainder of their weekend for quiet, contemplation, and prayer with the sisters of the Benedictine Community.
Take a look at how this retreat works:
ZOOM Participation
Friday, December 2nd
Pre-event: Prepare quiet space, setup computer for Zoom connection, have WHY THESE WOMEN at the ready, time of quiet reflection
6:00 - 7:00 pm (PST) Zoom retreat
"How is this Advent different from all others?"
Post-event: Set aside some time to ponder thoughts and questions from evening session. Sleep well.
Saturday, December 3rd
9:00 - noon (PST) Zoom Retreat
"Advent through the eyes of Mary and Joseph"
Afternoon - Resume daily routine, honor commitments, use daily spaces to ponder holy questions.
6:00 - 7:00 (PST) Zoom Retreat
"Lest our hearts become the manger..."
Closing prayer and sending forth
Cost: $149
PRIORY In-person Participation
Friday, December 2nd
Pre-event: Arrive at St. Placid's. Janice Ariza is your host. Settle into your room.
5:00 Dinner
6:00 - 7:00 pm (PST) Zoom retreat
"How is this Advent different from all others?"
Post-event: Set aside some time to ponder thoughts and questions from evening session. Sleep well.
Saturday, December 3rd
8:00 - Morning Prayer in chapel (optional)
8:30 - Breakfast
9:00 - noon (PST) Zoom Retreat
"Advent through the eyes of Mary and Joseph"
Afternoon - At your leisure.
4:30 - Evening Praise & Eucharist (optional)
5:00 - Dinner
6:00 - 7:00 (PST) Zoom Retreat
"Lest our hearts become the manger..."
Closing prayer and sending forth
Saturday evening, night, and Sunday morning at your leisure
Cost: $290
Cost includes free copy of WHY THESE WOMEN: Four Women You Need to Read Before You Read the Story of Jesus. If you already own a copy, you may deduct $15 from your fee or designate another to receive the book. To register:
