The Beloved podcast

In this episode Anna Bailey, Alice Hall and Iffa Willis continue exploring what it means to live in the gaze of God, through the lens of the experiences of the Holy Family as we move towards Christmas.

Scripture

Matthew 1:19-25, Gal 1:10 (and references to Hagar in Genesis 16 from Episode 1)

Image

In our conversation we looked at this image by Eva Campbell https://www.evitaworks.com/artwork/a4-mother-child-09/

Music

We have a a Spotify playlist to accompany the podcast. This will grow with each episode. Check it out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/46HvR2rtPn1TwP6QPvDc8o?dl_branch=1&si=PIZ_r5jyQMup6Ril5h8O-A

Journaling Prompts

PAUSE to GAZE

How can you help your friends and family shift their gaze and focus towards Jesus this Advent and Christmas?

GAZED UPON

What do you think when you imagine God gazing at you? How does it make you feel?

When you look back to your childhood and consider your relationship with your parents / primary caregivers, how has their ‘gaze’ impacted your life as an adult?

Whose gaze impacts you? Whose approval do you seek?

GAZING ON THE WORD

Spend some time reflecting on Gal 1:10. What word or phrase stands out to you in particularly? What might God be trying to say to you through this word or phrase or this Scripture as a whole?

Get in touch

We’d love to hear from you! Please send any feedback or questions to [email protected]

We have an Instagram and a Facebook group. We will be sharing the images for each episode on our social media. It’s also a way to find others who are listening to the podcast and to share the experience, the challenges and the blessings that come from it.

https://instagram.com/i_am.he_is.beloved?utm_medium=copy_link

https://www.facebook.com/groups/belovedministry/?ref=share

Support

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.

Beginning a new season of the Beloved Podcast, Alice Hall, Iffa Willis and Anna Bailey begin unpacking what it means to live in the gaze of God.

Scripture

We explore the experience of Hagar (Genesis 16) and Mary (Luke 1), as well as Psalm 139.

Image

In our conversation we looked at this image by Chris Duffett. https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0104/8195/8969/products/image_15b080f3-2dce-43a6-9041-d7248b799c0f_720x.jpg?v=1588780294

Music

We have a Spotify playlist to accompany the podcast. This will grow with each episode. Check it out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/46HvR2rtPn1TwP6QPvDc8o?dl_branch=1&si=PIZ_r5jyQMup6Ril5h8O-A

Quote from John Paul II’s letter Dies Domini

“It would be banal to interpret God's "rest" as a kind of divine "inactivity". By its nature, the creative act which founds the world is unceasing and God is always at work, as Jesus himself declares in speaking of the Sabbath precept: "My Father is working still, and I am working" (Jn 5:17). The divine rest of the seventh day does not allude to an inactive God, but emphasizes the fullness of what has been accomplished. It speaks, as it were, of God's lingering before the "very good" work (Gn 1:31) which his hand has wrought, in order to cast upon it a gaze full of joyous delight. This is a "contemplative" gaze which does not look to new accomplishments but enjoys the beauty of what has already been achieved. It is a gaze which God casts upon all things, but in a special way upon man, the crown of creation. It is a gaze which already discloses something of the nuptial shape of the relationship which God wants to establish with the creature made in his own image, by calling that creature to enter a pact of love.”

Journaling Prompts

PAUSE to GAZE

This week, when can you pause amidst your preparations for Christmas and allow yourself to meet God’s gaze? Is it possible for you to go to Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and gaze upon the Lord there?

GAZED UPON

Can you identify times when you have felt really seen and known by humans or by the Lord?

GAZING ON THE WORD

Spend some time reflecting on Psalm 139. What word or phrase stands out to you in particularly? What might God be trying to say to you through this word or phrase?

Get in touch

We’d love to hear from you! Please send any feedback or questions to [email protected]

We have an Instagram and a Facebook group. We will be sharing the images for each episode on our social media. It’s also a way to find others who are listening to the podcast and to share the experience, the challenges and the blessings that come from it.

https://instagram.com/i_am.he_is.beloved?utm_medium=copy_link

https://www.facebook.com/groups/belovedministry/?ref=share

Support

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.

Introducing and looking forward to season 3 of the Beloved Podcast, which starts on the first Sunday of Advent, Sunday 28th November.

Iffa Willis is joined by Alice Hall and Jenny Lochner, as they discuss the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. They take for their Scripture Ephesians 3:14-19.

Journaling prompts

What is your understanding and experience of the Sacred Heart of Jesus?

You can read more about the life and visions of St Lutgarde here https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=197

Here you can access the image of the Sacred Heart that Alice mentions in this episode. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2020-06/the-sacred-heart-of-jesus-a-fount-of-love-and-mercy.html

Spend some time with this image in prayer.

What impact has the Beloved ministry, through the podcasts, or if you have joined us on a retreat, had on you?

We’d love to get your feedback on the podcast and your thoughts on how we should continue the work. You can share these with us using this form. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1HAJAhEBwWPT8CB1LpnVv-SDpFZVCexFx94j5e42sq7M/viewform?fbclid=IwAR3K4At5QwsJSrp6EGCPmIrSm5UtnTlVLD68ytRfwEFI8jw0OXh3YdRGnao&edit_requested=true

If you would like to attend the Beloved retreat, taking place on 29th-31st October, please click on this link. https://data.sioncommunity.org.uk/civicrm/event/info/?reset=1&id=132

If you have already done a Beloved retreat, and would like to join the Desired retreat on 25th-27th June, please email [email protected]

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.

Do you use Facebook? We invite you to join our Facebook group to find others who are listening to the podcast and to share the experience, the challenges and the blessings that come from it. https://www.facebook.com/groups/belovedministry/?ref=share

Episode 14 Pentecost

Iffa and Alice join forces, and share conversation with Allegra about God’s transformational power of the Holy Spirit and on Mary, Spouse of the Holy Spirit. We take for our scriptures today Luke 1:34-35 and Acts 1:14, 2:1-4.

Journalling Prompts

1. Can you recognise the presence and activity of the Holy Spirit in your life? Spend a moment pondering the Holy Spirit’s influence in your journey.

2. Do you ever hold back from knowing or surrendering more to the Holy Spirit? If so, do you know why - have you had fear or is something else holding you back?

3. How can you foster a disposition of openness to the Holy Spirit and His gifts? How do you want to grow more in your relationship with the Holy Spirit?

4. Ask Mary to pray for you specifically in the areas you have identified... perhaps pray with the image in the link below.

Link to the icon of Mary and the Holy Spirit Alice mentioned: https://e-belart.com/shop/en/icons/17-pneumatophora-the-icon-of-our-lady-carrying-the-holy-spirit.html

We’d love to get your feedback and any questions you have for our bonus episode on the feast of the Sacred Heart. Please send them to [email protected]

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.

Alice speaks to Marianna Miller and Susan Walsh about God’s power to transform by bringing us freedom through healing and deliverance.

The readings this week touch on the story of a Tobias and Sarah from the book of Tobit 3:16-17b; 7:17 and the women who followed Jesus from Luke 8:1-3.

During the conversation a few ministries and books were mentioned:

Unbound: A practical guide to deliverance by Neal Lozano,

Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard, The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis, Little Way Healing Ministry: https://littlewayhealingministries.com , Heart of the Father Ministries: https://www.heartofthefather.com , Unbound Prayer UK: https://www.unboundprayer.com ,

Pentecost Novena: http://www.burningbushinitiative.com/english/pentecostnovena.htm

Journalling Prompts:

We heard some stories of God healing and bringing freedom. Can you recall any ways in which God has set you free and brought healing in your life? Spend some time thanking Him for His power at work in you.

Marianna spoke about the impact life events can have on our body, soul and spirit. Can you identify times in your life that have affected you spiritually, emotionally or psychologically that you might need healing from?

Are there any areas in your life where you feel stuck? Or can you recognise reactions or responses that you have that are either repetitive, negative or overreactive?

Invite the Lord to come and work in you in these areas. Give Him permission to reveal the roots of the problem and pray for a way to come out of this place. Ask Him to lead and guide you.

We recommend reading the book Unbound to help you journey into deeper freedom in your life and for a practical model of prayer that you can help others with.

Send us your questions for our Bonus Episode!

We are planning a Q&A bonus Episode which will be released on the feast of the Sacred Heart - we plan to answer any questions you may have and let you know more about the Beloved ministry. We would love to hear from you any thoughts or questions you have had listening to the last 2 seasons of the Beloved Podcast. Please email us at: [email protected] or send a message to our Facebook group (details below).

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.

Do you use Facebook? We invite you to join our Facebook group to find others who are listening to the podcast and to share the experience, the challenges and the blessings that come from it. https://www.facebook.com/groups/belovedministry/?ref=share

Iffa speaks with Rose and Michelle about their different experiences of meeting Jesus, and the call to mission.

The scriptures we reflect on this week are taken from the Book of Esther 4: 10-17, and the story of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman, from the gospel of John 4: 39-42.

Journaling prompts

Do you remember your first encounter with Jesus? Take a moment to think about how you met the Beloved.

In your workplace, or other settings where you spend your time, do other people know about your faith? Are you able to be a witness in small things?

How can you cultivate a listening heart to tune into God's prompts to, speak, be quiet or ask?

What is your charism at this time in your life, where your mission brings you joy? Are you able to ask yourself: am I being faithful to what God has asked me to do?

If you have any feedback about your experience of our podcast, we would love to hear from you on [email protected]

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.

Do you use Facebook? We invite you to join our Facebook group to find others who are listening to the podcast and to share the experience, the challenges and the blessings that come from it. https://www.facebook.com/groups/belovedministry/?ref=share

Iffa speaks with Jo and Maria about their different experiences of infertility, and the Beloved has walked with them on this journey.

The scriptures we reflect on this week ante the story of Sarah from Genesis 18:13-14, 21:1-2, and the story of Elizabeth from the gospel of Luke 1:36-38.

Journaling prompts

Think about the things you have asked of God. To which of these has the answer been “yes”, “no” or “not yet”?

Can you be honest with God in the hurts and griefs in your own life? Can you rest on the Father’s heart?

What fruit has the Lord brought out in your life that you weren’t expecting?

How can you include those who are in a different state or stage of life from you in your community?

If you have any feedback about your experience of our podcast, we would love to hear from you on [email protected]

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.

Do you use Facebook? We invite you to join our Facebook group to find others who are listening to the podcast and to share the experience, the challenges and the blessings that come from it. https://www.facebook.com/groups/belovedministry/?ref=share

Alice talks with Pella, a friend from her University days and Marianna Gol, a Messianic Jewish believer from Israel about the Beloved’s desire for Unity and God’s power to overcome division.

The readings this week are from Ruth 1:16 and the encounter with the Canaanite Woman in Matthew 15:24-28.

Journalling Prompts:

How would you describe yourself to a person who doesn’t know you? What makes up your identity? Are you comfortable with the ‘labels/boxes’ others or you use to describe who you are?

Marianna spoke about how the place of tension can be a place of growth. In what way have you experienced this in your life? Are there any ways in which God is stretching you in this way at the moment?

What are your thoughts/feelings/attitudes towards believers of different backgrounds to your own?

Is there anyone at this time with whom you are at odds? Place them and the situation into God’s hands through prayer and step into the truth that nothing is impossible to God. (Luke 1:37)

Read John 17:21 and take time to reflect on Jesus’ prayer. What is your response? How can you help the Lord in this desire of His? Pray with these thoughts and ideas and ask Jesus to speak His truth to you in this area.

For more information or to support Marianna Gol’s ministry to widows and orphans in Southern Israel visit: www.streamsinthedesert.co

Marianna mentions in her testimony an organisation called TJCII which stand for ‘Towards Jerusalem Council II’ - for more information see: https://www.tjcii.org

If you have any feedback about your experience of our podcast, we would love to hear from you on [email protected]

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.

Do you use Facebook? We invite you to join our Facebook group to find others who are listening to the podcast and to share the experience, the challenges and the blessings that come from it. https://www.facebook.com/groups/belovedministry/?ref=share

Iffa talks to Jenny Lochner and Kathy Ball, and we also hear from Marita Gramstadt de Restrepo about God’s power to heal.

Miriam (Numbers 12: 10b, 13-15) and the haemorrhaging woman (Mark 15: 25-29).

Journaling prompts

1. Take a moment to become still. How do you feel right now - physically? Emotionally? However you are feeling, share this with the Lord.

2. Have you had an experience of being healed by conventional means? You may like to thank God now for the skill and dedication of those working in the medical profession.

3. Reflect on whether there have been times in your life when you struggled to cope with a physical condition, or maybe you are struggling now. Can you surrender any anxiety or pain to your loving Father and pray for him to give you whatever he sees that you need?

4. Take a moment to reflect on the wonder of your body, so marvellously created when God ‘knitted you together in your mother’s womb.’ Give thanks for the miracle of life and the healing power of God to cure our ills.

If you have any feedback about your experience of our podcast, we would love to hear from you on [email protected]

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.

Do you use Facebook? We invite you to join our Facebook group to find others who are listening to the podcast and to share the experience, the challenges and the blessings that come from it. https://www.facebook.com/groups/belovedministry/?ref=share