silent prayer retreat

I mentioned on Monday that I got to escape last weekend.

I took lots of pictures of Springlake Camp where we spent our time, a place I had not visited in many years.

My favorite addition to the camp was this prayer garden that was a path deep into the woods with lots of little spots along the way inviting you to stop and be still.

Even with 40 women, there was plenty of space to get off and be alone.

And quiet.

We went to bed giggling Friday night and got up hushed in the morning.

We ate breakfast without speaking, passing each other with nods and shy smiles.

Then we all went our own ways to be alone until the sun was high and the our tummies were growling.

What a gift on Mother’s Day weekend to get to soak up the presence of God outside.

We were given lists of Scriptures to go through if we chose.  After studying Isaiah at BSF this year, I loved reading back through Isaiah 55.

Such tender, healing words.

We read so many more phrases just bursting with God’s love.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

And from Jeremiah 31, bits of promises and hope

shout for joy

rejoice

well-watered garden

dance

be glad

mourning to gladness

joy instead of sorrow

abundance

After lunch, several people shared the different ways God spoke to their hearts during the silence.

It was precious to hear.

And to see the light of God on the faces of other women.

So many had not had the space to be quiet for a long, long time.

It’s amazing what just a few hours will do for your soul.

My small group went together to the retreat, since one of our sisters was leading it.

And this is my sweet friend, Sandy, who has just left half of her heart in Kenya.  Such a treasure to share space with her!

It was a joy to be with such a sweet group of gals!