Amid a noisy, busy, anxious world, Lent invites us into the quieter rhythms of deep attention, patient waiting, and interior transformation. Join us for Breathing with God: A Lenten Quiet Morning, a time to slow, to listen, open our hearts to God’s presence in silence and stillness.
Drawing from Cardinal Robert Sarah’s The Power of Silence: Against the Dictatorship of Noise and Simone Weil’s Waiting for God, this quiet morning will invite us into a posture of contemplative, patient attention as we practice waiting on God together.
Through contemplative prayer, guided reflections, shared silence, and gentle centering practices, this quiet morning will be an oasis for your soul: a space to breathe with God, encounter divine stillness, and deepen your Lenten journey.
Schedule (8:20 a.m.–11:30 a.m.)
[Optional]
8:20–9:00 a.m. — Contemplative Prayer Group (Library)
Gather in gentle silence with brief centering instructions. Sit in shared stillness, allowing breath to guide presence. Beginners welcome, no expectations; just come be with God.
[All Retreatants]
9:00–9:10 a.m. — Welcome & Opening Reflection (West Room)
A short teaching on “silence as a doorway to God” and “waiting as attention to grace.”
9:10–9:40 a.m. — Silent Lectio Divina
Scripture passages provided for silent reading, meditation, prayer, and resting in God’s presence.
9:40–9:50 a.m. — Guided Breath Prayer
Optional gentle breath prayer to reorient body, heart, and spirit toward God.
9:50–10:20 a.m. — Reflective Journaling & Quiet Walk
Time to journal insights or take a mindful walk in silence on the grounds.
10:20–10:50 a.m. — Group Sharing
A brief, open conversation about experiences of silence, waiting, and listening to God.
10:50–11:30 a.m. — Closing Reflection & Sending Prayer
Blessing and simple benediction as we re-enter the world with renewed attentiveness.
11:30 a.m. — Optional Simple Soup + Salad Lunch
Stay, eat, and fellowship in Barnes Hall, if you have the time!
FAQ’S
-
All are welcome—whether you are new to contemplative prayer or have an established practice. No prior experience necessary.
-
-
No. While we cultivate silence as a spiritual discipline, there are structured moments for optional sharing and gentle guidance. You may participate at the level that feels life-giving.
-
A journal, Bible, and an openness to God’s presence. You may also bring water or tea; light snacks will be provided.
-
Yes—short reflections will introduce themes from Robert Sarah’s The Power of Silence (on how silence unveils God’s voice) and Simone Weil’s Waiting for God (on waiting with patient attention).
-
Absolutely! We invite you to join at any point and stay for as long as you can. This time is for you to be with God, make of it what you will.