Many of us feel we are passing through a dark wilderness these days. Those foundations upon which we had built our dreams have been badly shaken. Savings and investments that we felt provided safety and security for the future have been greatly reduced or have disappeared entirely. Some of us have lost our jobs.

As never before, we begin to question previous assumptions of financial and personal security.

Uncertain as to which way to turn, we begin to seek new directions out of the darkness. We look for a pillar of fire to lead us -- a living flame of love.

In silent moments of reflection, we look for answers. From within our very souls we may ask ourselves, "Who am I?, Where am I going?"

To respond to this challenge we meet together in "Mini-retreats" with a few other older adults. Each of us selects one of the brief ancient prayers of faith -- short phrases lsuch as:

The Lord is my shepherd -- He leads me beside still waters.
Be still and know that I am God.
I am with you always.

As we walk alone in the silence, we "breathe" those holy words, again and again and again.

Breathing that same short prayer each following day and night, there gradually may grow within us a new confidence, a new hope for the future. We begin to behold a mystical pillar of fire ready to lead us -- a living flame of love.

To reach our own special promised land, perhaps we must first pass through a dark desert of disappointment where we rethink priorities and decide again which are the most important elements our lives.

We need not walk this walk alone. Passing through this desert part of our lives, as we breathe our short prayers, we may well sense Christ's presence very near and find new directions.

And there are others who are also ready to walk with us, friends we may call our Companions in Prayer -- SilenceSeekers@cox.net

Please see "Mini-Retreat Model for Older Adults: A Time for Reflection"

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