Scripture is filled with stories of people who journeyed away into the wilderness or a quiet place to renew their hearts, minds, bodies and spirits. 

Last week in our Gospel lesson Jesus travelled away with Peter and James and John to a quiet place on a mountain, where they experienced the Transfiguration of Jesus. (Luke 9:28-36). This week, the first Sunday in Lent we see that Jesus journeyed away to the wilderness where he was be tempted by the devil and prepared by God for the rigors of his ministry on earth. (Luke 4 :1-9)

I also have been away in the desert this week for a spiritual journey of renewal. In this place I experienced prayer, worship, healing, meditation, learning, discussion, and encounter with the crucified and risen Christ in preparation for the Lenten season. Sponsored by Portico, this wellness retreat called Journey for Renewal gathered 15 ELCA Bishops to Spirit in the Desert Lutheran Retreat Center in Carefree, Arizona. The mission of this place away states, "Spirit in the Desert is a holy place, where people experience hospitality and renew their callings in the world."

The forty days of Lent are set aside for Christians to make time for spiritual examination, reflection and renewal, something we often neglect in our everyday routines. In my time away in this beautiful desert place, I discovered that unhurried prayer and meditation centered my soul, relaxed my pace, and lifted my spirit. In between the contemplative times, we were joined in community by small group sharing, story telling and corporate prayer. In this desert retreat, I realized how a small, trustworthy community of believers forms a climate that deepens insight, and provides support and accountability for our wellness intentions. Following the retreat, I will be meeting with my small group by WebEx, guided by a coach, for an entire year. We have committed to embracing one ancient prayer practice each month, and to encouraging one another in our personal wellness goals. I am grateful for this time away with colleagues who are familiar with the demands and delights of the office of bishop.

I pray that you also will make time this Lent for personal spiritual contemplation as well as prayer and confidential spiritual conversations with a trusted small group or community of believers.   

I leave you with the first verse of the sending hymn at the close of our retreat, Bless Now God the Journey (ELW # 326):

Bless now, O God the journey that all your people make,

the path through noise and silence, the way of give and take.

The trial is found in desert and winds the mountains round,

then leads besides still waters the road where faith is found.

With and in Christ,

+ Claire Burkat