For years now, I have taken an annual (sometimes twice-a-year) prayer retreat at a silent monastery just a few hours from my home. It always refreshes me and rejuvenates my prayer life.
But not everyone can do that (though I think everyone should at least give it a try, perhaps by trying a “half-day” retreat at first, as this post suggests).
But those aren’t the only options. Did you know you can take a 3-minute retreat? At your desk or via your laptop, even?
Loyola Press, a ministry of the Jesuits, offers “3-Minute Retreats” on their website, in English and Spanish.
With a click of your mouse, you can take a short, self-guided retreat on a number of themes. You have control over the pace of the retreat.
While soothing music plays, a screen appears with instructions or thoughts for meditation. On each screen, a “continue” button appears, allowing you to stay as long as you choose or continue whenever you choose.
Some of the available themes are:
Some of the 3-minute retreats reflect Catholic beliefs and sensibilities (which of course you would expect from a Jesuit site!), but most are thoroughly ecumenical in tone and extremely helpful in drawing you closer to God.
Try it. And then come back to this page and leave a comment about what your 3-minute retreat was like, and what it did for you.
