Jesus, you invited the apostles to come away with you to a deserted place and rest a while. Like your apostles, enable me to experience You on retreat — your suffering love and tender compassion. May I come to better know myself, to draw closer to you, and to thus be of better service to my brothers and sisters in the Church. Help me to listen attentively, to ponder prayerfully, to respond generously, and to benefit from the solitude and peace. Through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Sorrows, may I and my fellow retreatants leave our retreat as deeply committed Christians, better able to follow Your footsteps in all the opportunities and challenges of life. Amen.