Throughout the year, many of us find ourselves falling into the same old patterns and ruts. We long for change, but we feel stuck and discouraged. We may think the circumstances around us need to change for us to get unstuck, but often an inner change can help us find release and freedom.
Lent is a season in the Christian calendar when we give extra attention to what we may need to let go of in our lives. The act of letting go is meant to mirror Jesus’ passion, crucifixion, and ultimately resurrection. Jesus wants us to participate in his death and resurrection in our own lives, and gives us this invitation to do so in Matthew 16:24-25, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Letting go of our control, welcoming the Lord’s process of transformation within us, surrendering ourselves more fully to the love and lordship of Jesus…these are the processes that lead to finding true life in Christ.
Join us this Lent as we pray with the “Welcoming Prayer,” seeking to let go of patterns that keep us stuck and welcoming the love and presence of God’s healing action within.
Welcoming Prayer
Welcome, welcome, welcome.
I welcome everything that comes to me today because I know it’s for my healing.
I welcome all thoughts, feelings, emotions, persons, situations, and conditions.
I let go of my desire for power and control.
I let go of my desire for affection, esteem, approval, and pleasure.
I let go of my desire for survival and security.
I let go of my desire to change any situation, condition, person, or myself.
I open to the love and presence of God, and God’s healing action within.
Amen.
Date: Sunday, March 9 at 5:00pm – Monday, March 10 at 4:00pm. You may arrive anytime between 3:00-4:45 on Sunday.
Location: Mt. Olivet Conference and Retreat Center, 7984 257th St W, Farmington, MN 55024
Accommodations: Hotel-style room with private bath and two double beds, yummy meals, beautiful walking trails, sauna, pool & whirlpool.
Cost: For those who are able to cover the full cost of the retreat, the rate is $254. If cost is a hindrance, we are able to offer a discounted rate of $175. Sunday dinner and Monday breakfast and lunch are included.
Facilitators: John March and Leanne Esch.
Theme: Surrendering our lives more fully to Jesus through praying with the Welcoming Prayer.
Programming will include: Guided times in corporate prayer, silent times for personal reflection and rest, group time for optional sharing and listening, and freedom to use your time as the Spirit guides you.