Resetting our Rhythm: A Lenten Prayer Retreat

by Shelley Walters, Director of Faith Development

Four years ago this week, I found myself walking a labyrinth that was no longer there. That weekend two of my passions intersected at a conference in Dallas: my call to work for full inclusion of LGBTQ people in the UMC, and my personal goal to walk as many different labyrinths as possible. I had heard that the church hosting the conference had a labyrinth on site, so during a break, I made my way around the campus searching for it. All I found was an open space where the grass had grown over a once-worn path.

That same week four years ago was the last before the rhythm of our lives changed with a global pandemic. I know that I am not alone in feeling that, in these four years, grass has grown over my once well-worn path of prayer practices. 

This coming Saturday, Saint John’s will host an opportunity to reset our rhythm and forge a path of prayer for ourselves. Set against the backdrop of the Lenten season and guided by our worship theme, "Patterns of Prayer, Rhythms of Life," we will embark on a prayer journey through four movements: Grounding, Letting Go, Listening, and Dreaming. 

Grounding: In the midst of life's uncertainties, we'll return to the foundational truths of our faith, re-rooting ourselves in the unshakeable love of God. Through breath prayer and guided meditation, we'll ground ourselves in the eternal presence of the Divine.

Letting Go: As we release the burdens and distractions that weigh heavy on our hearts, we'll create space for healing, restoration, and renewal. Through the ancient practice of the labyrinth, we'll surrender our fears and anxieties to the loving embrace of God.

Listening: In the silence of our hearts, we'll open ourselves to the gentle whisper of God's voice, attuning our spirits to the Divine presence that surrounds us. Through contemplative prayer and the sacred art of lectio divina, we'll cultivate a deeper awareness of God's guidance in our lives.

Dreaming: With hearts full of hope and imagination, we'll envision a world transformed by love, justice, and compassion. Through creative expression of prayer, we'll co-create a vision of the world as it could be, inspired by the boundless grace of God.

I hope you will consider joining us. No prior experience with specific prayer practices is needed. Whether you're seeking solace in the midst of life's challenges, craving connection with like-minded souls, or simply curious to explore new ways of finding peace and purpose, we invite you to join us to reset and make a path of prayer. After the retreat, may we carry with us a renewed sense of connection to the Divine and be equipped with tools and practices to sustain us on our spiritual journey long after the day has ended.

Tags: prayer, labyrinth, intentional faith