TOPICS
Prayer & Identifying Genuine Needs
ENCOURAGEMENT ALONG THE WAY
Click here to view Jaclyn’s short video reflection of how she was surprised by grace in her imaginative prayer “to see & love as Jesus.”
PRAXIS
A. Reading & Noting
Read Henri Nouwen’s In the Name of Jesus p. 25-47 (Chapter 1 “From Relevance to Prayer”). Note what consoles, challenges, or puzzles you while reading. Notice how your mind and heart are affected and journal as needed.
Re-read p. 2-4 of the Learning Community Gathering #2 handout.
B. Practicing & Noting
Guided by the Spirit, choose one person to accompany in the next month. Use the suggestions on p. 5 (or use the mp3 below) to pray for the person 1-2 times/week. Reflect on the following questions each time:
Was there anything surprising that came up during the prayer?
Was this prayer helpful to you in praying for the person? How so?
Is there any point to which you are invited to return and listen deeper?
Continue to practice intentionally meeting people at least once/week (using the “First Encounter” suggestions on p. 6) and pray for the person afterwards as in question #1 above.
Journal before the next gathering using these prompts:
What did I learn about God, myself, and/or others in my praxis?
As I practice spiritual accompaniment and intentionally meet people, do I find myself trusting God (following the Spirit) or relying on myself (making things happen) more? How so?