Welcome to our weekly Friday Check-in for January 31st, 2025 ✅
If you are new to Soul Care, WELCOME!! We are so glad you are here. We have a weekly rhythm of checking in together on Fridays. We use Mindy Caliguire's Page, Person, Plan framework to create a weekly rhythm and prepare ourselves for Sabbath rest.
Just a quick note of thanks... Thanks for being here and engaging with Soul Care. It is no small thing. We are deeply grateful for you, for your being here. So here’s our deep, heartfelt Thank You.
Let’s also give thanks that it is the LAST DAY of January. Whew!Here’s your weekly invitation to pause for just a few minutes in reflection and prayer...
Take a few deep cleansing breaths.
Let's begin with,
Page: An Invitation to Reflection
Today, read Mark 6:47-56 (The Message):
Late at night, the boat was far out at sea; Jesus was still by himself on land. He could see his men struggling with the oars, the wind having come up against them. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them, walking on the sea. He intended to go right by them. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and screamed, scared to death.
Jesus was quick to comfort them: “Courage! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” As soon as he climbed into the boat, the wind died down. They were stunned, shaking their heads, wondering what was going on. They didn’t understand what he had done at the supper. None of this had yet penetrated their hearts.
They beached the boat at Gennesaret and tied up at the landing. As soon as they got out of the boat, word got around fast. People ran this way and that, bringing their sick on stretchers to where they heard he was. Wherever he went, village or town or country crossroads, they brought their sick to the marketplace and begged him to let them touch the edge of his coat—that’s all. And whoever touched him became well.
Spend a few minutes journaling in response to this passage:
- What stands out to you most? Is there a particular word or phrase?
- As you read through it a second time… ask God, “to what area of my life does that particular word or phrase connect?”
- And as you read a third time, be asking God, “Is there an invitation for me?” Is there a response of some kind that God is inviting you into?
Next up is,
Person: An Invitation to Connection
We have been meditating on the theme “ARISE” this month and intentionally looking for where God is at work, where God’s Light is arising like the dawn.
- Where have you seen God “at work” this month? (maybe it is simply in the fact that you’ve survived January!)
- When/where have you felt most connected to God, to others, to yourself? When have you felt disconnected?
- What do you need as we start the month of February?
- What do you hope February holds for you?
If you are seeking rest, space to reflect, renewal, community + solitude, you’re invited to join us for the Semi-Silent Retreat TOMORROW! Check your time zone and hope to see you there!
Finally we have,
Plan: An Invitation to Intention
Julian of Norwich, a 14th century Christian mystic, once wrote, “The fruit and the purpose of prayer is to be ‘oned’ with and like God in all things.”
Take a few minutes to engage in This body prayer, which is a wonderful way to bring ALL of ourselves into the act of prayer - body, mind, and spirit. If this is difficult for you in any way, that’s ok! What posture and rhythm helps you bring your whole self to God in this moment? It’s ok to experiment and find something that works well for you.
Perhaps simply focus on your breathing, as we close this time of reflection with another of Julian of Norwich’s prayers:
“And lovingly I pray to thee O’ God, by your goodness give me yourself, for you are enough for me.”
Blessings!
Thanks for checking in today. Great job!