Learning to See: The Bread of Life, a meditation on John 6:32-35

Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” Then they said to Him, “Lord, give us this bread always.” And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. -John 6:32-35, NKJV

Welcome back to our series, Learning to See, where we are walking closely with Jesus through the Gospel of John, learning to see him as he reveals himself. We are using a favorite prayer method - Lectio Divina, a Latin phrase that translates as “Divine Reading” but simply means a close reading of a passage of scripture.

SoulWork with John 6:32-35

1. First reading, choose one word or phrase and let it linger.
2. Second reading, simply reflect on Jesus as the Bread of Life.
3. Third reading, ask yourself, consider where you desire to trust Jesus more as the Bread of Life.
4. Fourth reading, just sit with the words of the text.
5. As the words of the text linger, what is one thing you need to say to Jesus.

SoulWork Homework

1. This week, take the time to read through the entire chapter of John 6, savoring each word.
2. Ask yourself, how does your understanding of Jesus, as the Bread of Life, shift.
3. Write a line or two in your journal about it how feels to see your life through the Christ’s presence as provision.

FYI, those in my email community will receive teaching resources to use alongside the series. If you’d like to receive them, you can visit patricegerideau.com/join. Our first resource will release on February 18th.

If this episode met you in a meaningful way, you’re welcome to receive Notes from the Sanctuary—quiet reflections, writing prompts, and occasional updates shared as an extension of this space.

If you’d like to help sustain this work, you’re welcome to support it here.

Disclaimer: The content shared on the SoulWork Sanctuary podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. While I am an ordained minister and trained spiritual director, I am not a licensed therapist or medical professional. This podcast does not provide medical or mental health advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional care. Please seek support from a qualified provider if needed.

Learning to See: The Savior, a meditation on John 3:16

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (NKJV)

Welcome to our series, Learning to See. For the months of February, March, and April—including the season of Lent—we are making space to walk closely with Jesus through the Gospel of John, learning to see him as he reveals himself. We will be using a favorite prayer method - Lectio Divina, a Latin phrase that translates as “Divine Reading” but simply means a close reading of a passage of scripture.

According to the Upper Room, “One ancient practice central to Christian prayer is called lectio divina or “divine reading.” In lectio divina, we begin by reading and savoring a short passage of scripture. Our inner posture is one of a listening heart with an unhurried expectation that God has a message to convey especially suited to our circumstance. We read and ruminate with the ears of our heart open, alert to any connections the Spirit may reveal between the passage and our life situation. We ask, “What are you saying to me today, Lord? Reading, reflecting, responding, and resting—this forms the basic rhythm of lectio divina. God is present in you through the Spirit who speaks to you in scripture and prays in you and for you.” (Source: https://www.upperroom.org/resources/lectio-divina-praying-the-scriptures)

SoulWork with John 3:16

1. First reading, choose one word or phrase and let it linger.
2. Second reading, allow yourself to feel what it means to be loved by God that much.
3. Third reading, ask yourself, “What do you think God is saying to you about his love?”
4. Fourth reading, just sit with the words of the text.
5. As the words of the text linger, what is one thing you need to say to God.

SoulWork Homework

1. This week, sit with this text, allow it to sync into your mind, body, and spirit, into every breath.
2. Allow it to remind you of three things: Jesus loved you before, Jesus loves you now, Jesus will always love you.
3. After accepting that truth, see anything that concerns you through the love of Jesus.
4. Write a line or two in your journal about it how feels to see your life through the lens of Jesus who loves you.

FYI, those in my email community will receive teaching resources to use alongside the series. If you’d like to receive them, you can visit patricegerideau.com/join. Our first resource will release on February 18th.

If this episode met you in a meaningful way, you’re welcome to receive Notes from the Sanctuary—quiet reflections, writing prompts, and occasional updates shared as an extension of this space.

If you’d like to help sustain this work, you’re welcome to support it here.

Learning to See: The Word, a meditation on John 1:1-5

The Word Became Flesh

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it. -John 1:1-15, NRSVUE

Welcome to our series, Learning to See. For the months of February, March, and April—including the season of Lent—we are making space to walk closely with Jesus through the Gospel of John, learning to see him as he reveals himself. We will be using a favorite prayer method - Lectio Divina, a Latin phrase that translates as “Divine Reading” but simply means a close reading of a passage of scripture.

According to the Upper Room, “One ancient practice central to Christian prayer is called lectio divina or “divine reading.” In lectio divina, we begin by reading and savoring a short passage of scripture. Our inner posture is one of a listening heart with an unhurried expectation that God has a message to convey especially suited to our circumstance. We read and ruminate with the ears of our heart open, alert to any connections the Spirit may reveal between the passage and our life situation. We ask, “What are you saying to me today, Lord? Reading, reflecting, responding, and resting—this forms the basic rhythm of lectio divina. God is present in you through the Spirit who speaks to you in scripture and prays in you and for you.” (Source: https://www.upperroom.org/resources/lectio-divina-praying-the-scriptures)

SoulWork with John 1:1-5

1. First reading, ask yourself, What word or phrase stands out to you?
2. Second reading, ask yourself, What feelings, thoughts, or needs come forth?
3. Third reading, ask yourself, “What do you think God is saying to you?”
4. Fourth reading, just sit with the words of the text.
5. As the words of the text linger, what is one thing you need to say to God ?

SoulWork Homework

1. This week, sit with this text, allow it to sync into your mind, body, and spirit, into every breath.
2. Allow it to remind you of three things: Jesus was, Jesus is, and Jesus always will be.
3. After accepting that truth, see anything that concerns you through truth of who Jesus is.
4. Write a line or two in your journal about it feels to see your life through the lens of Jesus.

FYI, those in my email community will receive teaching resources to use alongside the series. If you’d like to receive them, you can visit patricegerideau.com/join. Our first resource will release on February 18th.

If this episode met you in a meaningful way, you’re welcome to receive Notes from the...