As mentioned, last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday was spent in prayer, worship, and reading.
The Venue
I spent the three days at St. Anselm’s Abbey which is a place I highly recommend for all of those looking to get away for a day or a week (or longer). St. Anselm’s is a monastery following the rule of St. Benedict and home to my good friend, Philip. If you think it strange that I would go to a monastery, coming from my Baptist background, I understand and would have at one time agreed with you. Sometimes, for a lack of understanding the beauty and meaning behind certain traditions, we can develop somewhat of a prejudice; but I’m telling you, the traditions are beautiful and 
even if you want no interaction with another tradition, the peace and quiet found at a place like St. Anselm’s and the welcoming nature of Benedictine monks is hard to beat. They are truly a loving people.
They give you a little room (I have had room #8 both times), and all the freedom to pray, meditate, and relax. I choose to eat with the monks and attend a few of their prayer services.
What I Did
I won’t share the particulars but in general, I read the Gospel of Mark (and I can’t tell you the peace I felt each time I’d read. It was extraordinary); I read The Practice fo the Presence of God, and I spent ample time in prayer and meditation.
I felt lonely.
I felt excited.
Through the inspiration of Brother Lawrence’s book, I spent a good deal of energy recognizing God’s presence with me. During a time of considerable lonliness I turned to God to satisfy my longing. This was probably the most beneficial element of the weekend.
Thoughts
I have some thoughts that I would like to post later for all of those who may be planning a spiritual retreat. These are elements which I have discovered that I would like to pass on. I’ll get to that later but, for now, I have to continue “catching up” with things here in the office.
Peace.
