The Beloved podcast

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 the servant girl in the Sanhedrin courtyard.

Invitation to Prayer

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

Matthew 26: 69 – 75

Read the passage slowly and thoughtfully.  There may be a character that you particularly identify with.  Or you may like to imagine yourself in the scene: What do you see?  What do you feel?  How might you react?  What might you say? 

If a particular word or phrase stands out for you, just stay with that word.  Repeat it slowly  in prayer.

Let the Spirit lead you.

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 of Bethany.

Invitation to Prayer

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

John 12: 1 – 11

Read the passage slowly and thoughtfully.  There may be a character that you particularly identify with.  Or you may like to imagine yourself in the scene: What do you see?  What do you feel?  How might you react?  What might you say? 

If a particular word or phrase stands out for you, just stay with that word.  Repeat it slowly  in prayer.

Let the Spirit lead you.

Siân reflects on Matthew 21:8-11.

She invites us to have a go at Visio Divina using this guide https://www.pbrenewalcenter.org/blog/contemplative-prayer-the-five-steps-of-visio-divina/ and this image called Jerusalem, by Felix Tafsart, from 1896 https://www.everypixel.com/image-7481465943073170673

Journaling questions

Can you identify any times in your life when you have done something(s) for God, in order to fulfil His purpose for you, although you knew it might be difficult?

What might God be asking you to change in your life in order for you to serve Him in the way He has called you to?

Jenny reflects on the story of Lazarus

Journaling question

Do I believe God can do the impossible? Is there a person or situation that I need to entrust to God today? Can I recognise the way God answers prayers, even when it takes longer or looks different from what I thought?

Clare reflects on John 9: 1-6.

Journaling question

Who do I secretly judge? How is God calling me to love them?

Pauline reflects on John 4:5-26;28-30;39-42

Journaling question

How would you respond if you were the Samaritan Woman meeting Jesus?

Kathy reflects on a line from this Sunday’s gospel, Matthew 17: 4-5, and quote from Fr Denis McBride from his book, Jesus and the Gospels.

Journaling questions:

1. Recall a ‘mountain top’ experience in your own life, or imagine yourself at the top of Mt Tabor with Peter, James and John. What does it feel like to be there with Jesus?

2. Now imagine yourself having to come down from the mountain, returning to your everyday life. Do you face or have you faced challenges in witnessing to your faith?

3. What would you ask Jesus to transfigured in you?

Kasia, in Nazareth, reflects on a line from this Sunday’s Gospel, Matthew 4:11, and how this relates to being in the world but not of the world.

Journaling question

In what unique way can I bring God's presence to those I encounter every day?

In this mini-episode, Iffa and Alice introduce our Lenten reflection episodes. These will be released on each of the Sundays of Lent.

In this episode of season 4, Alice is joined by Anna and Emily, to discuss being people of faith in the NHS.

Anna referred to Romans 12:9-16. Emily referred to Colossians 3:23-24.

Journaling prompts

Can you glorify God by living, working and playing “for an audience of one”?

When have you or do you have the opportunity to mourn with those who mourn? Or to pray for those who persecute you?

Do you care for your own or others’ physical, mental and spiritual health?

Can you make a commitment to pray for the NHS?

Do you have a story to tell about how you live your faith in the places where you spend your time? Or is there an area that you feel would be great to have an episode focussing on? We would love to hear from you! Please send any feedback or questions to [email protected]. This is also the address to contact if you would like to join our mailing list, to keep abreast of all things Beloved.

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.

Social media

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Retreats

If you have already attended a Beloved weekend, you are eligible to come to the follow up retreat: Desired. The next Desired weekend will take place 9th-11th June 2023. The next Beloved retreat will take place from 20th-22nd October.