Prayer: The Foundation of Our Relationship with Jesus

The first disciples were blessed to live in the presence of Jesus during His ministry. He lived among them
so they were able to watch Him, listen to Him, learn from Him. Indeed, a historical disciple was one who
was a student or follower of a teacher or rabbi after whom they chose to pattern their life. As present
day disciples, we need to find our own ways to listen to and learn from Jesus. We do that through the
Eucharist, scripture and prayer.

Prayer is a key way for us to be in relationship with Jesus. Prayer can take a variety of forms. There
are many traditional prayer forms such as the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, the Jesus Prayer, and
certainly, the Rosary. Our Faith Formation Director, Scott Brazil is leading introductory sessions to learn
Centering Prayer, which is a silent form of prayer. Lectio Divina is a form of prayer that means, “Divine
Listening.” A passage of scripture is read and you listen for a key word or phrase that speaks to you;
then you enter into meditation and “conversation” with God about how God might be speaking to you
through that word or phrase. Scott Brazil leads a Zoom Lectio Divina group each Saturday morning at
9:00am. Visio Divina, or “Divine Seeing” is a similar and ancient form of prayer that invites God to speak
to us through an image. Both Lectio and Visio Divina can be especially meaningful as a shared practice
with others.

This summer, we’ll be using illuminations of The Saint John’s Bible as the basis of a 13-week series of
Visio Divina. Each week of the summer, we’ll focus on a different image and also read the scripture
associated with it. Together, we’ll take in the details of the illumination, then let God speak to us through
the image, meditate on that image, share with one another (optional if comfortable with sharing) how
the image might be speaking to us, and then respond in prayer. Our time together will be a type of small
group experience where we can share and connect with one another.

These Visio Divina sessions will be held each Wednesday evening at 6:30pm in the Chief Joseph room
(next to the chapel) and will last about an hour. Anyone is welcome and you may attend any or all
sessions. To give you a small taste of what’s to come, we’ve listed the illuminations that will be used and
the dates they’ll be offered. Watch for information on each session in eNEWS each week of the summer.
Join us for something new!

Please note that RSVPs for these sessions are not necessary to attend, but are appreciated!