My Father’s presence had been with me most of the day. In many ways, it was like an ongoing prayer period where I took delight in just being near Him.

When I settled down for the formal prayer period, He remained. I began the next section of the retreat, and turned to Isaiah 55. This passage holds fond memories of my first days of the retreat, and it was pleasant recalling them as I went over the verses.

Then my Father brought to my mind a letter from a friend who is very troubled. I had put him in my Father’s hands, and had asked His aid. My Father answered my prayer by giving me just the right words to write back. I felt I had His permission, so I copied down the little note then, to type tomorrow. It was like taking dictation! (1)

I returned to the passage, and lingered over verse 7, His invitation to forgiveness. I could feel Him yearning for us all to be what He made us to be, and it moved me to intercede for all who have not heard His call, or have not responded to it. I was moved, too, to pray for several other friends and the problems they are having. Near the end of the time, I did doze off for a few moments, but I awoke peacefully, still in His presence.

(1) Spiritual director: Nice.