Hermitage Spiritual Retreat Center

Board Liturgy of Thankfulness for the Spirit's Blessings on our Retreatants

The "Retreatant Voices" are excerpts from actual Retreatant entries in our "Hermitage Journals."
The "Responses" were inspired by our brochure and designed to reflect our Mission Statement.

"My stay has been wonderful....The serene setting is beautiful, the quiet and stillness are refreshing ...and the quarters are homey. One really can feel God working here, away from the hustle of one's daily life and routine—and away from the distractions of 'the world.'"

R: Bless our retreatants—those who have been here and those who are to come.

"In the dark stillness of this hermitage, I feel embraced by the Holy, affirmed in my Creator's love, blessed by the gentleness of this place, and renewed to return to my world...."

R: We give thanks for this sacred place of restoration and renewal.

"God is here. Thank you for permitting me the joy and privilege of experiencing God's presence in this place."

R: We give thanks for the beauty of this place, where immersed in nature one can feel God's embrace.

"This place has nurtured my soul. The gift of silence and solitude, in the company of others who yearn, is a gift beyond words...."

R: We give thanks for this sacred space—for silence, prayer, and solitude.

" ...So far my experience has been one of discovery. I just completed walking the Labyrinth. What an experience!! It is my life! At first things were pretty easy, the path was clear, and I was comfortably near the center. Then I started moving out. This brought some level of uneasiness; but the ropes were still plainly visible, so I felt reassured. Every now and then I came to an obstacle; but I found that obstacle not only to be a barrier, but also the source of strength as I used it to support me as I pulled on it to get around without going outside the security of the ropes. Then, about 2/3 of the way through, the ropes became hidden and I had to scrape away leaves and grass so I could find the way. I had to be more alert. But I think I got overconfident as I missed a turn and found myself going over parts I had already traversed. I had two choices! I could just cut across the Labyrinth to a place before I made the mistake, or I could just continue from where I was, repeating part of my journey. I chose to continue from where I found myself. Then when I came to the area where I had made the mistake, I became extra vigilant—knowing that my previous overconfidence had led me to error. I watched carefully, and this time I saw the rope segment that I had missed before. I turned and soon found myself in the center. I was filled with joy! Such a simple experience! But such a profound message!"

R: Bless our retreatants—those who have been here and those who are to come.

"Thank God for beautiful weather—blue skies and warm sunshine.
Thank God for the refreshing waters of the lake in which to swim.
Thank God for the sounds of nature while sitting on the beach.
Thank God for Jesus Christ as I experienced Him during the Stations of the Cross.
Thank God for co-creating this place of refuge, retreat, and peace...."

R: We give thanks for the beauty of this place, where immersed in nature one can feel God's embrace.

"...a piece of heaven on earth—no phones, no television, and the quiet of nature. God is truly able to speak to me with clarity."

R: We give thanks for this sacred space—for silence, prayer, and solitude.

Soul longing

Oasis found
a mirage perhaps
Spirit says no
refreshing
rejuvenating
Peaceful solitude
tranquil respite
direly needed
Wind in the treetops
rain on the leaves
Chimes
rest
rest
rest
Tearing myself away
I journey on ...

R: We give thanks for this sacred place of restoration and renewal.

"A cabin nestled in the woods. Wide open space to see the tops of the trees and the rippling waters. A cozy fire with dancing flames. Sanctuary!"

R: We give thanks for the beauty of this place, where immersed in nature one can feel God's embrace.

"Thank you for co-creating with God a place of rest, a place of restoration, a place of creativity, and a place of holiness. May God continue to bless this ministry..."

R: May this continue to be a place where, in silence and solitude, spirits are renewed. AMEN!