TOPIC
From Relevance to Prayer: Seeing Like 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 “To See & Love As Jesus” prayer (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 imagining this person’s genuine needs? How so?
Is there any point to which you are invited to return and listen deeper?
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?