Welcome to the Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center’s blog! This blog will extend our retreat ministry by bringing prayers and reflections into your home ‘retreat’. Many of our presenters and staff share their homilies, favorite prayers and reflections through this medium. We encourage you to comment, pass it along to friends or simply take a moment to pray with us. We hope that this will serve as a moment during your day when you can ‘retreat with us’.
Tomorrow commemorates Memorial Day in the United States, a day when we honor those who have died in war for our freedom. Many use the holiday for backyard cookouts and visits to the pool, but we should also pause and take a few moments to pay respect for these heroes, to pray for those who currently serve and their loved ones, and to pray for a future of peace. PRAYER FOR MEMORIAL DAY In the quiet sanctuaries of our own…
As Pentecost approaches this Sunday, please pray with us... "And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." ~ Acts 2:38 Pentecost Prayer May the Gifts of the…
We have been enjoying the recent sunny days in Marriottsville! We hope that you have also been enjoying this late spring source of brightness and warmth. It is easy to cast our eyes downward as we count the blessings of beautiful blooms and green grass during this time of year, but we cannot forget the sun, and thank the SON for this amazing gift too! “May the sun bring you new energy by day, may the moon softly restore you…
Writer and retreat presenter, Mary DeTurris Poust, offered her latest blog for us to share too. It's a great reminder to notice the simply joys and miracles in life, especially during this month that tends to be so busy. So, let's take a few deep breaths and sit with this reflection in a quiet place. What everyday wonders will you notice today? Comment and share. Visio Divina: seeing with the eyes of love One warm-and-sunny weekday recently, I took advantage…
During this month within the busy graduation season, we offer today's blog to those who are completing any phase of their life and moving onto the next. May you feel the peace of Jesus as you begin your new journey! “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” ~Jeremiah 29:11 Prayer of One Who Is Moving On Guardian, Guide, no pillar…
St. Augustine's Prayer to the Holy Spirit Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cLrLDhzTL8
Today, we celebrate all of the mothers in our lives...those who birthed us and those who guide us as mother figures. We hope that our readers who take on these roles are thanked and loved today! For those missing a special mom, may you feel the peace of Jesus as you relive cherished memories today. To Mother You painted no Madonnas On chapel walls in Rome, But with a touch diviner You lived one in your home. You wrote no…
In recognition of National Nurses Week, we offer a prayer for nurses and all healthcare workers. Is there someone special in your life who has been called to this vocation? Please comment and share as you pray for them. Loving and merciful God, we ask You to bless the men and women who have been called to serve as nurses and caregivers of the sick in their community. May they be filled with a spirit of joy and abundance in…
We are wrapping up our series on Howard Thurman today by sharing some of our favorite quotes. Don't miss Monday's "The Life & Legacy of Howard Thurman: African American Mystic, Teacher, and Prophet" retreat, presented by Rev. Joan Crawford. It's not too late to register. Please click here. We hope to see you for this day of inspiration and prayer! “Whatever may be the tensions and the stresses of a particular day, there is always lurking close at hand the…
Today's prayer is offered as we look forward to Rev. Joan Crawford's "Working in Solidarity: Anti-Racism Retreat for Faith Communities" that begins on Friday. Click here to learn more. If you cannot be with us, please take a moment to pray for justice and understanding in our world. A Prayer for Racial Justice Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be…
