The catechism book, The Whole Counsel of God: A Protestant Catechism and Discipleship Handbook, was designed to be flexible for a variety of uses. For example, I’ve used it to prepare new believers for baptism, teach Sunday School, and to have family and personal devotions. This week, I will be joining a group of seven men for a 3-day spiritual retreat, and our main resources will be a Bible and the catechism book.
Here is a tentative schedule that can be adapted for use on a 3-day spiritual retreat:
Day 1
4 PM — Arrival at retreat location
4:30 PM — Quiet and rest
6:30 PM — Supper; “Grace Before Meals” (p. 263)
7 PM — Spiritual exercises
Daily Office: Daily Evening Prayer (p. 254)
- Hymn or Canticle: Be Still My Soul (p. 259); O Gladsome Light (say together)
- Psalm/Scripture Lessons(s): Psalm 62 (read responsively or sing)
- Further Prayer: Someone leads extemporaneous prayer for the retreat
Lectio Divina (p. 287)
- Scripture: Luke 11:15–32 (Jesus Calms the Storm)
Visio Divina: Artwork: The Return of the Prodigal Son (page 146)
8 PM — Fellowship
9 PM — Quiet and Rest; Compline (p. 260) may be prayed privately or together
Day 2
8 AM — Breakfast; “Grace Before Meals” (p. 263)
8:30 AM — Daily Office: Daily Morning Prayer (p. 242)
- Hymn or canticle: Great Is Thy Faithfulness (p. 248); Morning Trinitarian Prayer (p. 249; say together)
- Psalm/Scripture Lessons(s): Psalm 42 (read responsively or sing)
- Further Prayer: Someone leads extemporaneous prayer for the day
9:30 AM — Meditations on Question 53 (p. 152) & John Wesley on Sanctification (p. 154); alternatively, choose a spiritual classic (p. 296) to read and discuss during the retreat
10 AM — Personal time with The Examen (pg. 241); Note: The Examen is intended for daily use; for this retreat, reflect on recent weeks and months, not just “the day.” Questions for Self-Examination (p. 240) may also be used. The Suspice or Surrender Prayer of Ignatius (p. 266) or any of the other Prayers of Confession and Consecration (p. 264) may be used.
11 AM — Canto Divina: Hymn: Be Still My Soul (p. 259). Quiet time to memorize the words, then join together to sing through the hymns several times from memory and discuss which lyrics stand out to you.
12 PM — Lunch; Midday Prayer (p. 252); “Grace Before Meals” (p. 263)
1 PM — Meditations on Question 16 & Augustine on Using the Creation (p. 67); alternatively, continue reading and discussing a spiritual classic (p. 296)
2 PM — Quiet Personal Time
4:30 PM — Supper at local restaurant
7 PM — Daily Office: Daily Evening Prayer (p. 254)
- Hymn or canticle: Abide With Me (p. 258); O Gladsome Light (say together)
- Psalm/Scripture Lessons(s): Psalm 46 (read responsively or sing)
- Further Prayer: Take turns praying for one another’s needs
7:30 PM — Fellowship
9 PM — Quiet and Rest; Compline (p. 260) may be prayed privately or together
Day 3
8 AM — Breakfast; “Grace Before Meals” (p. 263)
9 AM — Prayer and the Lord’s Supper (only if an ordained Minister is present to administer the sacrament)
The Daily Office: Morning Prayer (p. 242)
- Hymn or canticle: Te Deum Laudamus (p. 246)
- Psalm: Psalm 116 (text on pg. 7 of this packet*)
- Scripture Lessons(s): John 6:35–59
After the Apostles’ Creed in the morning office, transition to the Lord’s Supper.
The Service of the Lord’s Supper (p. 327)
- After the invitation, read “The Food of Our Souls by John Wesley (p. 139) and sing “The Memorial of His Dying Love” (p. 140)
- After the Sanctus, sing “Holy! Holy! Holy!” (p. 247)
11 AM — Check-out
