The Center for Spiritual Formation and Retreat

05/03/2026

Did you know, over at our Substack, we post weekly Scripture readings on Mondays and a spiritual formation related quote on Wednesdays?

This week, we are spending a few moments with Jeanne Guyon, an 18th century French Christian. In her beautiful work, Experiencing the Depth of Jesus Christ, she invites us to consider what it means to sit, quietly, in the presence of Jesus.

04/30/2026

"And grace,
which is the flowing,
creative activity, of love itself,
is what makes all goodness possible."

“There is a desire within each of us,

04/15/2026

“When there is union of love, the image of the Beloved is so sketched in the will, and drawn so intimately and vividly, that it is true to say that the Beloved lives in the lover and the lover in the Beloved. Love produces such likeness in this transformation of lovers that one can say each is the other and both are one.”

Ralph Martin, The Fulfillment of All Desire

“When there is union of love, the image of the Beloved is so sketched in the will, and drawn so intimately and vividly, that it is true to say that the Beloved lives in the lover and the lover in the Beloved.

05/12/2025

Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal glory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Easter 5c

05/07/2025

As we move into the Summer, we have some spiritual direction spots opening up. We would love to meet with you!

(link in comments)

04/23/2025

**Our summer schedule is open for speaking engagements—would your church be interested in scheduling us for a Sunday service and/or a retreat?**

Whether for a Sunday service, special event, or another gathering, we would be honored to spend time with your congregation. We're also available to lead a one- or two-day retreat in connection with a speaking engagement.

We work closely with churches and groups to discern their greatest needs and tailor our time together to fit the unique context of each community. Additionally, we're happy to offer one-on-one pastoral conversations or spiritual direction during our visit, as needed.

If your church is planning summer events and would be interested in partnering, we’d love to begin that conversation. Please feel free to reach out for availability and further details.

If you're planning a gathering and are interested in inviting us to speak or lead a retreat, feel free to reach out—we’d be glad to start the conversation.

03/10/2025

"O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy"

Lent 2c

03/06/2025

A prayer.

"Divine Savior, transform my imperfections into grace.

02/13/2025

Obedience that is the grudging fruit of willful determination does not give God any more pleasure than it gives a parent. Nor does it bring us the vitality and fulfillment for which we long. All it does is reinforce our egocentricity and make us more rigid and more proud.

Obedience that flows from a surrendered heart is totally different. Rather than willpower and resolve, love is the motive for what we will and what we do. This is the pattern of genuine Christian spiritual transformation. Such transformation always works from the inside out. And love is always its source, motivation and expression.

David Benner, Surrender to Love.

01/11/2025