How to Prepare for the Annual Balloon Release

Prepare yourself to release what doesn't belong to you. In the week leading up to the gathering, give yourself short, daily pockets of stillness — even ten quiet minutes with Scripture and a journal will soften your heart for what's ahead.

• Choose one or two passages to sit with — Psalm 46:10, Isaiah 43:18-19, and Luke 10:38-42 are gentle starting points.
• Name what you are bringing to the altar: a burden, a stronghold, a fear, a limitation, an old story you keep rehearsing. Write each one down — you will release these into the sky.
• Tell the people closest to you that you'll be unavailable that day. Protecting the space honors what God is about to do.

• Your Bible — the one you actually read, with the margins you trust.
• A journal and two pens — one for prayer, one for what you sense the Lord saying.
• An open posture — worship, tears, silence, repentance. Bring whatever rises.
• Your written list of releases — the burdens, names, and weights you are surrendering at the altar in the open sky.

• Comfortable, modest clothing appropriate for an outdoor gathering — layers are wise depending on the season.
• Walking shoes you can stand and pray in for an extended time outdoors.
• A shawl or wrap for cool air and long worship.
• A refillable water bottle, tissues, and any medications you need.
• Sun protection — a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses for an open-sky gathering.

Balloons and gathering details are provided. Location is shared privately with registered daughters as the date approaches to protect the sacredness of the gathering.

The hardest part of preparing for this gathering is what you choose not to bring. Consider leaving:

• Work laptops, project files, and "I'll just check in once" intentions.
• Social media — set an auto-reply and log out before you arrive.
• The version of yourself you have to perform for. You are invited as a daughter, not a producer.

Travel slowly if you can. Worship on the drive. Resist the urge to fill the first hour with introductions and details — let quiet be your first language. When you step onto the gathering ground, breathe and say a simple prayer: Lord, here I am. Have all of me. I release what was never mine to carry.

The fruit of the Annual Release is rarely felt in the moment; it is harvested in the weeks and months that follow. Schedule one quiet evening within the first week to reread your journal, underline what the Lord said, and write down one obedience step. Then stay tethered to the sisterhood — the quarterly accountability gatherings (Prayer, Healing, Obedience, and Kingdom advancement) exist so what was released at the altar is walked out in real life.