Counting My Blessings

 A BUSY MOMS/GRANDMOTHERS HOME RETREAT

 By Sister Antonella Bayer, CSJ

 The format of the retreat:  Praise, Relax, Pray, Take Five, Make Intention

This is a simple way to lift your mind and heart to God throughout the day or for several days.  If you choose to extend the retreat, there are many other Psalms that may be helpful.  At any point during the retreat, sing a song or its refrain that is familiar to you. 

MORNING

PRAISE

 Upon awakening, say, “Welcome, oh new day, given to me by my loving God. 

                                       May I use it to God’s glory.”

 RELAX

 Take a few moments to stretch in or out of bed.  OR  Do some chair yoga stretches.

 PRAY

 Day 1  - Hold your Bible lovingly and ask the Holy Spirit to inspire you with Wisdom.
               Pray Psalm 111 out loud or in your mind and heart.

 Day 2 – Lift your Bible carefully and ask the Holy Spirit to gift you with Faith.
               Pray Psalm 145.

 Day 3 – Place your hand on your Bible and ask the Holy Spirit to bless you with Hope.
               Pray Psalm 141

 Day 4 – Hold your Bible close to your heart and ask the Holy Sprit to fill you with Love.
               Pray Psalm 90

 Day 5 – Stretching both hands forward with the Bible, ask the Holy Spirit for Gentleness.
               Pray Psalm 104

 TAKE FIVE

 Sit in an upright position, if possible, close your eyes and make your whole self available for God’s loving gaze upon you.  When thoughts come, let them pass on by and continue to be present to the Lord.  Sometimes use a prayer word such as “Jesus,” “Spirit,” “Love,” etc.,  to focus you on being fully present.  Five minutes may become ten in time!

INTENTION

 Make a resolution for your day with these words:
I offer today for the good of my soul and that of my [son, daughter, husband, grandchild, grandchildren] _____________________________________ (names). 

LATE AFTERNOON OR EVENING

THANKSGIVING

Upon sitting down or resting, thank God for the day:  I thank you, my Creator for the strength I have had to serve you in little ways.  (Name a few if you wish to do so.)
** If appropriate, add the following:
Thank you, my Creator, for entrusting me with the care of these precious grandchildren of mine.  May they grow to love you and live upright and just lives. 

RELAX

Option 1 – Look at a beautiful sunset, watch a snowfall through your window, or feel the patter of softly falling rain as you listen to it hitting your rooftop.

Option 2 – Walk out of doors, if desirable and weather permitting.  Enjoy all creation!

Option 3 – Hold an object of meaning that a son/daughter, grandchild, or husband has given to you.  Bring to mind a blessing that person has brought you today or in the past. Rejoice in your heart with the memory.

PRAY

[Use Psalm from Morning]

TAKE FIVE

Close your eyes for a few moments and make yourself totally available for God’s loving gaze upon you.  Try to surrender in mind, body, and spirit to God’s will for your life.  Let the events of the day become as so many wisps of clouds floating on by and continue to be present to the Lord.  If needed, use a prayer word such as “willing,” “Savior,” “trust,” or “Shepherd” to help you remain open and present.  Five minutes may become fifteen!

INTENTION

Pray, “All that has upset me or made me afraid I release into the waiting hands of God. May the joy that makes my heart sing, even through tears, stay with me and bring me peace this evening/night. I thank God for the blessings, seen and unseen, of this day.”