Prior to the Holy Spirit retreat, my prayer life was not of any significance to me and it was always dependent on my mood or how tired I was, thus leading to me frequently brushing it aside. The idea of praying 1 hour daily seemed too overwhelming for me, and I never did try to do so. Upon hearing about this retreat and Father encouraging those who are ‘lost in their spiritual life’ to attend, I felt a strange need inside of me to sign up for it.

Over the course of the Holy Spirit retreat, it was a discovery of how God is very much present and tangible in our daily lives, and for some a process of healing. For me, there was indeed a deep impact as I realised how real and tangible God’s love for us was, during the second night of adoration. As Jesus hung on the cross, it truly is a symbolism of His love for each and everyone of us. Whatever trials and tribulation we are each going through in our lives, He understands it as He has been there before. Humiliation? He went though that as he hung naked on the cross. Disappointment? He felt that when his disciples abandoned him. Pain and anguish? He definitely felt that as he was nailed to the cross. He chose to die for us  on the cross because He knows  the struggles each one of us are going through and the difficulties we face in our lives.

God understands us and can empathise with us. Therefore, He is someone who is able to walk with us every step of the way in our daily struggles with life. God is not someone who is very distant from us, His love for us is very much apparent in our daily life.

Matthew 28:20 “Teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and know, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

After this realisation, I felt much more ready to try and reciprocate such an immeasurable love for us. Finally realising how much He loves each one of us individually has helped me tremendously to feel His presence in my daily life. My attitude towards prayer has improved for the better and each day is filled with joy to experience His abundant love for us.

Psalms 150:6 “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord.”

By Jacob Hong, 17