On Sunday August 18, the Adelynrood Retreat and Conference Center in Byfield, Massachusetts was the host of the Fourth Daughters of Abraham retreat. The theme was A Retreat for Peace.
Twenty eight women from our three Abrahamic religions came together for conversation and contemplation.
In small and large groups, we shared our hopes and fears for peace in our lives, our communities and in our nation during this time of division and discord.
The day afforded opportunity for quiet individual time as well as the option to participate in prayer services in each religion.
The grounds at Adelynrood provided a lovely setting for the Jewish prayer gathering based on the practice of Hitbodedut, an ancient practice of individual meditation, usually done in nature.
The Christian service drew from the ancient Celtic spiritual tradition linked to the Christian community of Iona.
Before the Muslim Call to Prayer, there was an opportunity for us to learn about the meaning of gestures used in Islamic prayer. Prayer scarves were available for use.
The grounds at Adelynrood provided a lovely setting for the Jewish prayer gathering based on the practice of Hitbodedut, an ancient practice of individual meditation, usually done in nature.
After a break we shared reflections on the day and enjoyed a delicious vegetarian dinner.
Our reflections were put into a poem which was read before we departed for home.
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