Holy One,
From this thin place I pray:
For the women who
Gathered here
Long ago
Living together,
Away from their worlds,
Yet in yours, devoting
Their lives to prayer and service;
For the women who
Gather here
On retreat
In temporary community,
Away from our worlds,
Yet in yours, sharing
A time of prayer and respite;
For the women who
Need a break
Right now,
But do not have it,
In the midst of their worlds,
Which are also yours, serving:
Their work continues.
Grant us all
Times of renewal,
And the will to take them,
To center ourselves
And return refreshed
To serve you wholeheartedly
In the work that never ends.
In Christ’s name. Amen.