Praying With Julian of Norwich

Day One: Introduction - Who was Julian of Norwich?

At first it doesn’t seem likely that the woman known as Julian of Norwich could possibly teach us anything. She lived in a time of extreme chaos and destruction in Europe, and an era of famine, plague, political unrest and degradation in the Church. She was a hermit who rarely left her cell. She lived in a culture that was not known for honoring the gifts of women. Given the times in which Julian lived it seems hard to imagine that she could have anything to teach us today as modern people.

And yet if we look more closely at her life we discover some interesting things. Julian of Norwich was an English hermit who didn’t leave her room next to a parish Church. Nonetheless she was the first woman to write in the English language and the book she wrote continues to inspire and call us to deeper relationship with God even to this day.

As you take time to make this retreat Julian will be your teacher, guide and mentor as you enter more deeply into the experience of God’s deep love for you. May you be blessed during this time of retreat.

Exercise – Getting Started:

- When will you schedule your reflection times during this week?

- How will you prevent interruptions and distractions?

- Decide on a specific place that will be your "retreat spot" during this time.