Morning Retreat

Overview

Printable Version (PDF)

Introduction

For those who would like to attend a BNL Weekend Retreat but aren’t able to do so, the BNL Morning Retreat offers a meaningful alternative. It provides an opportunity to come together and move through the entire BNL process in a single, focused time.

Goals

The main goals of a BNL Morning Retreat are:

  • Connection with God and other participants.

  • An opportunity to walk through the BNL process in its entirety.

  • Time to share and reflect on the experience with others.

  • Establish a rhythm of renewal—once or twice a year, either in conjunction with BNL Weekend Retreats or as a stand-alone practice.

Opening activities (approx. 15 minutes)

Welcome and opening prayer

The morning begins with a brief Welcome and an Opening Prayer. The prayer may be offered by the group leader or an attendee.

Check-in

After the welcome and opening prayer, the group moves into a time of Check-in. This is a simple but important moment where each person has the opportunity to engage with the group and be heard. Participants introduce themselves and share one brief thought—a highlight from their week, an opening comment, or a hope for the morning (one of these, not all three). The emphasis is on brevity and presence, with each person offering just a sentence or two. There is typically no cross talk or discussion during this time, allowing each voice to be fully heard and received. A simple “Thank you” from the group acknowledges each contribution before moving on. Anyone who prefers not to speak may simply “pass.” If the group is larger, it can be helpful to break into smaller circles of four to eight.

Main session: The BNL process (approx. 2 hrs)

From there, the group moves into the main focus of the morning: the BNL process. After a short overview, participants spread out to quiet, private spaces—indoors or outdoors—to work through a full set of BNL worksheets, focusing on one area of their life. Those who are new to the process may remain for a few extra minutes of guidance before joining the others.

Communion with God

Following the main session, the group moves into Communion with God, a quiet and reverent time of shared spiritual focus.

  • The group leader participates alongside everyone else.

  • The leader reads two opening readings, plus an account of the first communion as recorded in Scripture, to provide context and grounding for the ritual.

    • (The full text of these readings is included in the Weekend Retreat Leader Guide.)

  • Participants are invited to kneel or remain seated for the communion.

  • An opening prayer is offered by the group leader, an attendee, or shared as an “additive” prayer.

    • In an additive prayer, the group leader or an attendee begins by offering a sentence or two. Each participant then adds a sentence or two, building on what others have said. Anyone may “pass” if they wish. The prayer concludes when the group leader says, “Amen.”

  • Communion is shared.

    • Bread and wine (or alternative) are passed from person to person:

    • Bread is received first, followed by wine and/or a non-alcoholic alternative.

    • Each person partakes as they feel comfortable.

    • (A simple recipe for unleavened bread is included at the end of this page.)

  • The group leader and attendees say Lord’s Prayer together.

  • The group leader offers the following blessing over the group:

    • “The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make His face shine upon us and be gracious to us. The Lord lift up His countenance upon us, and give us peace.”

  • Those who have been kneeling are invited to take their seats.

  • There is a closing piece of music (played or performed) or a closing song sung by the attendees.

Early departure

Anyone who is unable to stay for the full morning may depart at this point.

Group sharing (approx. 30 minutes)

The morning then shifts into a time of Group sharing. Participants are invited to share their experience of the BNL process, again either as a whole group or in smaller circles. Anyone who prefers not to speak may simply “pass.” After everyone has had an opportunity to share, the conversation may open more freely for group discussion.

Closure (approx. 15 minutes)

Closing comments

As the retreat comes to a close, the group moves into a brief time of Closing comments. Similar to the opening check-in, each person is invited to share a final thought—just a sentence or two—to “check out” of the experience together. The tone is simple and attentive, with no cross talk or discussion, and each contribution is acknowledged with a “Thank you.” Anyone who prefers not to speak may simply “pass.”

The Lord’s Prayer

The meeting concludes with the Lord’s Prayer. Participants may stand or remain seated and say the prayer together. Those who prefer may simply listen.


Printable Version of Unleavened Bread Recipe (PDF)

Unleavened Bread Recipe

  • 1 cup unbleached, sifted flour

  • 1/3 cup olive oil

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 5 teaspoons water

Mix thoroughly to form non-sticky dough for rolling. (Note: If the dough is too dry and doesn’t hold together, add tiny amounts of water until it does. Too much water will make the final product dense and hard.)

Roll between wax paper (to 3/16-inch thickness) and cut in circles using a water or wine glass like a cookie cutter.

Bake at 350° F for 18 to 20 minutes until golden.