that would apply to sally marquis.she also thinks her engineering and science background may have jaded her faith. >> this whole idea of prayer was so alien to me that i had no idea how to start. >> reporter: at this retreat, they practice prayer techniques that spiritual directors say are universal, that help clear the mind of distractions. >> was it easier to be the speaker or the listener and be conscious of your breathing? how was that? >> when i just noticed how i was breathing as opposed to trying to breath in some way. then it was very easy to engage. >> listen with the attention that i was hearing going on over here, of not only your ears, but your eyes and your heart and breath. >> reporter: liz ellmann explains one way to clear the mind in this exercise designed to focus on the act of breathing. >> breathing is one of the most basic prayeyf god gives us breath. we are so close to god, we're as near as our breath. >> and then once again, you make a commitment to really submit your attachment to your ego to god