Generally speaking, we think of such a gathering as this as a ‘‘retreat.’’ But in Religious Science a spiritual retreat really is a “spiritual advance.” We should acquire a greater consciousness in uniting our thought with each other in a common cause and purpose for which we work, and upon which our whole practice is based: a consciousness of the Presence of God within everything and everyone. Our spiritual advance, then, is devoted to a deeper awareness, a higher perception, and a greater realization of spiritual Truth, the reality of a Divine Presence, whose impulsion is love, and a Universal Principle which acts as law.

As we are gathered together here this week in quietness and peace, let us keep our thoughts turned to the Divine Presence within us and within each other. Let us bless ourselves and each other, that what we do shall blossom into the fruit of the Spirit. Deeply desiring that we become more aware of the love we have for each other and the world, may our consciousness be opened to the mission of the Father’s service and to a deeper understanding of Life.

As this great mountain range, with the sun rising in glory over its peaks, keeps watch over the valleys, so may our vision rise from the mountain tops of an exalted spiritual feeling and keep watch over the valleys of our experience, that they may be refreshed by the perennial rain from Heaven and be sheltered, protected and productive.

Here in the beauty of nature, in all its grandeur, may we open our consciousness to the Divine influx and make of ourselves a fit organ and instrument of the Infinite. May there come to each of us an inward deep peace, as the trees whisper to us, and the strength of these rugged hills – snow-capped, sun-kissed, founded on the eternal rock of everlasting Truth – talk to us.

Infinite spirit within and around us, such gifts as we have we give to Thee. Amen.

Let us turn our attention to that Divine Presence within, which is both the center and circumference of our real being. It is the Infinite Presence which inhabits eternity and finds a dwelling place in our own consciousness. Let us recognize It as the only authority there is. We know we are one with It and in It, for there is no separation from It. Our own consciousness is the very depth and height of Its Being and is one with all that It is. And so let it be.