Learning to See: The Light of the World, a meditation on John 8:7-12.

The Light of the World

When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” And once again he bent down and wrote on the ground. When they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, sir.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.” Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” -John 8:7-12, 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 Homework

1. This week, consider your a neighbor who is going through a dark time in their lives right now.
2. Ask God to help you do something about it.
3. Journal a few lines of how it felt to share Jesus, the Light of the World, through your actions.

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 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...

A Word about Joy — Episode 69: Noise Is Required

Welcome to SoulWork Sanctuary, a weekly place to pause with God.

We conclude the series A Word about Joy—reflections shaped by what my little cousin Cameron has taught me about joy, the word God gave me for this year.

In this episode, we reflect on joy as noise. Through story, prayer, breath, and silence, we consider how joy often sounds like freedom—unpolished, expressive, and unconcerned with perfection. Sometimes, that noise is exactly what worship looks like, echoing Psalm 100.

This episode includes:

1. An opening prayer
2. Guided breathwork focused on sound and expression
3. A reflection on joy, freedom, and worship
4. SoulWork prompts for personal reflection
5. A gentle SoulWork practice for the week ahead
6. A closing blessing

SoulWork Prompts

1. Where in your life could you use a little more joyful noise?
2. What tends to quiet your voice or keep you from worshipping freely?
3. Think of a time when you offered your voice—imperfect and unfiltered. What did that moment feel like?
4. What might joy sound like if you stopped worrying about how it was received?

SoulWork Practice for the Week

This week, make a joyful noise—on purpose.

1. Sing along to a song.
2. Hum while you work.
3. Laugh out loud.
4. Pray aloud when you’re alone.
5. Notice how your body responds.
6. Write one sentence about what joy sounded like for you.

Thank you for pausing here.

May joy be heard in the freedom you allow yourself.

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...

Welcome to SoulWork Sanctuary, a weekly place to pause with God.

We continue the series A Word about Joy—seven reflections shaped by what my little cousin Cameron has taught me about joy, the word God gave me for this year.

In this episode, we reflect on joy as rest. Through story, prayer, breath, and silence, we consider how joy sometimes comes not from doing more, but from listening to our limits and allowing ourselves to stop when rest is needed.

This episode includes:

1. An opening prayer
2. Guided breathwork focused on rest and release
3. A reflection on joy, fatigue, and faithful stopping
4. SoulWork prompts for personal reflection
5. A gentle SoulWork practice for the week ahead
6. A closing blessing

SoulWork Prompts

1. Where in your life have you pushed past the joy that might be found in rest?
2. What might become possible if you practiced joy as rest more often?
3. How does joy shift when it’s not about what you do, but about what you stop doing?
4. What signals does your body give when it’s time to rest—and how do you usually respond?

SoulWork Practice for the Week

1. This week, choose a time and a place to rest.
2. If possible, take a 30-minute nap—or step away from something that has you blocked or overwhelmed for 30 minutes.
3. Afterward, write one line about how that rest felt and what it revealed about joy.

Thank you for pausing here.

May joy meet you in the rest you allow yourself.

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.

A Word about Joy — Episode 67: Joy as Attention to Details

Welcome to SoulWork Sanctuary, a weekly place to pause with God.

We continue our series, A Word about Joy—seven reflections shaped by what my little cousin Cameron has taught me about joy, the word God gave me for this year.

In this episode, we reflect on joy as attention to details. Through story, prayer, breath, and silence, we consider how joy often emerges when we slow down enough to notice the small gifts of creation—the life that breathes alongside us and the details we so often overlook.

This episode includes:

1. An opening prayer
2. Guided breathwork focused on attention and presence
3. A reflection on joy, creation, and noticing
4. SoulWork prompts for personal reflection
5. A gentle SoulWork practice for the week ahead
6. A closing blessing

SoulWork Prompts

1. Think of a small detail in the fabric of your life that you often take for granted, but that has been—or could be—a source of joy.
2. Imagine the moment God created the universe or the natural world. What joy do you sense in that act of creation?
3. Imagine the moment God created humanity. What kind of joy might God have felt then?
4. How does the connection between attention to details and joy resonate with you today?

SoulWork Practice for the Week

1. Choose one thing God has created this week—if possible, something from nature.
2. Pay attention to the details: color, shape, size, texture, scent.
3. Notice what shifts.
4. Write one sentence about where joy surprised you.
5. Thank you for pausing here.
6. May joy meet you in the details you might otherwise miss.

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...

Welcome to SoulWork Sanctuary, a weekly place to pause with God.

e66 A Word about Joy: Curiosity

We begin a new year with a new series, A Word about Joy—reflections shaped by what my little cousin Cameron has taught me about joy, the word God gave me for this year.

In this opening episode, we reflect on joy as curiosity. Through story, prayer, breath, and silence, we consider how joy often emerges not through effort or explanation, but through imagination, openness, and faith that dares to wonder.

This episode includes:

1. An opening prayer
2. Guided breathwork focused on curiosity and presence
3. A reflection on joy, imagination, and faith
4. SoulWork prompts for personal reflection
5. A gentle SoulWork practice for the week ahead
6. A closing blessing

SoulWork Prompts

1. Recall a recent moment of simple joy. Sit with the memory. Notice what you feel in your body.
2. Bring to mind someone who has taught you about joy. What did you learn without words?
3. Where in your life might curiosity open something that feels closed?
4. How do curiosity, imagination, and faith seem to speak to one another?

SoulWork Practice

1. Choose one ordinary moment this week—a walk, a meal, a car ride.
2. Approach it with curiosity rather than efficiency.
3. Notice what shifts.
4. Write one sentence about where joy surprised you.

Thank you for pausing here.

May joy meet you in unexpected places.

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.