The Beloved podcast

On Divine Mercy Sunday, Alice talks to Cathy Adkins and Violeta Cipkute about the transforming power of God's mercy.

Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12: 24-25) and Jesus’ encounter with the adulterous woman (John 8: 9b-11)

Journaling prompts

What in your life have you experienced that stops you from receiving God’s love or growing deeper in your faith and relationship with Him?

Do you struggle in any way with fear, guilt or condemnation? Bring these feelings to Jesus as you pray today and ask Him to transform them for you.

Have you experienced God’s love and mercy in a tangible way you can recall and thank God for? Perhaps ask God if there is someone in your life who might be blessed by hearing you share this experience.

Read through 2 Samuel 11 and 12 and John 8:1-11. Take one of these stories into prayer and imagine yourself in the place of one of these women and hear what God wants to say to you through His word.

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During Holy Week we follow Jesus' passion through the eyes of the women who were there at the time in Jerusalem. Today we are with Mary Magdalene.

Invitation to Prayer

As you reflect on this episode, we invite you to pray with the following scripture. 

John 20: 1 - 18

Let the Spirit lead you.

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Alice speaks to Jean about what it means to be a widow, and they reflect on the story of Naomi from the book of Ruth 1: 1-5, 19-21, 2: 20, 4: 14

Journaling prompts

Looking back over Lent - in what small ways has God blessed or communicated His presence to you that you can thank Him for this week?

Are there any areas of loss or grief you still might need to allow the Lord’s gentle, continual and healing presence to touch and transform? Consider bringing these areas with you on the journey of Holy week as we walk with Jesus to the Cross and beyond.

Are you holding onto any pain that has become a comfort to you in some way?

Can you identify any ways in which God has restored your life and nourished you?

Write these down and spend time reflecting on them.

If you have enjoyed the podcast, we invite you to prayerfully consider donating to the work of Sion Community, by going to https://www.sioncommunity.org.uk/ and clicking the donate button.

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Iffa talks to Pauline Gray about what it means to be a mother, and they reflect on Matthew 20:20-23.

Journaling prompts

Who has been a mother to you in your life? Who are those that you are a mother to?

Whether you have your own children, or you have mothered people in other ways, what graces have you asked for your children? How has God responded?

Jesus said to Salome “You do not know what you are asking“. How have you been surprised by how you or your children have been asked to serve?

How can you make sure, when you pray for your children or others, that you do so in line with God’s will?

Pauline wanted to share with you the link to www.mothersprayers.org

If you have enjoyed the podcast, we invite you to prayerfully consider donating to the work of Sion Community, by going to https://www.sioncommunity.org.uk/ and clicking the donate button.

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Alice talks to Hannah Vaughn-Spruce about what it means to be single, and they reflect on Matthew 26: 6-13.

Journalling Prompts

1. What, for you, does it mean to give everything to God - to make Jesus the centre of your life?

2. What is something you value deeply (like the very costly ointment) that you can to offer Him as a sacrifice of worship?

3. What do you feel is your mission/calling in life? Where are you bearing fruitfulness in your life?

4. Sit with the the Beloved scripture verse Song of Songs 7:10 “I am my Beloved’s and His desire is for me.” How do I respond to the fact that Jesus desires me?

If you have enjoyed the podcast, we invite you to prayerfully consider donating to the work of Sion Community, by going to https://www.sioncommunity.org.uk/ and clicking the donate button.

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Iffa talks to Emily Duffy about what it means to be a wife, reflecting on the story and words of Elizabeth. (Luke 1: 5-8, 24-25, 39-45, 57-63)

Journaling prompts

Take a moment to remember and name the promises God has fulfilled in your life.

Elizabeth and Zechariah's relationship is built on deep trust. What relationships in your life are built on trust? How does that trust support you through times of trial?

Who has Jesus used to show you his love? How can you show others that they are beloved of God?

What areas of healing in your life can you offer to Jesus today?

If you have enjoyed the podcast, we invite you to prayerfully consider donating to the work of Sion Community, by going to https://www.sioncommunity.org.uk/ and clicking the donate button.

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Alice talks to Iffa and her sisters Anna and Elly about Mary and Martha and sisterhood. (Luke 10:38-42)

Journaling prompts

Who are the “sisters” who have brought Jesus into my life?

Are there times when I have let comparisons with other women keep me from focusing on Jesus?

What does my experience of sisterhood teach me about love?

How can I be a sister to the women with whom I have a shared history?

If you have enjoyed the podcast, we invite you to prayerfully consider donating to the work of Sion Community, by going to https://www.sioncommunity.org.uk/ and clicking the donate button.

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Kathy Ball talks to lffa about the healing of Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:22-24, 35-43) and what it means to be a daughter.

Journaling prompts:

What three words come to mind when you think of yourself as daughter? Whatever this brings up for you, share it with Jesus now.

Whether we’re full of joy or full of sorrow, in the best of health or seriously ill, we are never beyond the reach of God’s love and mercy.

Imagine Jesus approaching you now, taking your hand and speaking those tender words - Talitha kumi (Little girl, get up.)

What burdens might you need to put down so that you can get up and follow His call to new life?

If you have enjoyed the podcast, we invite you to prayerfully consider donating to the work of Sion Community, by going to https://www.sioncommunity.org.uk/ and clicking the donate button.

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Welcome back to the Beloved Podcast! In this special episode for Valentine’s Day, and in anticipation of beginning lent, Iffa is joined by Jenny, Siân and Fran, and we contemplate heading into the desert to retreat with the Beloved.

Journaling questions

1. Is there something that the Lord might be inviting you to seek freedom *from* this Lent? How might laying this down for a time give you freedom *to* go deeper in your relationship with him?

2. Traditionally we give something(s) up for Lent, but maybe God is asking you to take something up this year instead/as well. What might that be for you? And for what purpose?

If you have enjoyed the podcast, we invite you to prayerfully consider donating to the work of Sion Community, by going to https://www.sioncommunity.org.uk/ and clicking the donate button.

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Introducing and looking forward to season 2 of the Beloved Podcast, which starts on Sunday 14th February.