Week 1 - Taking the First Step Psalm 63

REFLECT (Reread it):

 • The psalmist starts with seeking: "O God, I seek you." That's where prayer begins—with the decision to look for God.

 • Notice the physical language: thirsts, faints, flesh. Seeking God isn't just intellectual—it's a deep human need. 

 • "My soul thirsts for you, as in a dry and weary land where no water is." Have you ever felt spiritually dry? Empty? Searching? • The psalmist remembers past help: "You have been my help." Even if you're starting, you might look back and see moments when you felt held or guided. 

 RESPOND (Talk to God): If you're beginning to pray, tell God that. Say, "I'm not sure how to do this" or "I'm here, trying." Tell Him what brought you to this moment. What are you seeking? What do you hope to find? 

 REST: Close your eyes. Imagine being in a dry land and finding water. Let yourself be thirsty for something real, something true. Rest in the idea that seeking itself is prayer. 

It's Here: Just In Time For Lent - Your Free 6-Week Prayer Guide - Praying the Psalms

Praying with the Psalms: A 6-Week Introduction to Lectio Divina is now available as a completely free download. If you've ever been curious about prayer but didn't know where to start, this guide is for you. 

What You'll Receive: Inside this guide, you'll find everything you need to begin a meaningful prayer practice: 

 A complete introduction to Lectio Divina, an ancient form of meditative prayer. Six carefully selected Psalms, chosen specifically for those new to contemplative prayer. Clear, step-by-step instructions for each week's practice. Thoughtful reflection questions to deepen your experience. Historical and scriptural context that brings these ancient prayers to life. No assumptions about your background or familiarity with Catholic spirituality.

Who This Guide Serves: This resource is designed for real people in real situations: Those who've never prayed before and want a gentle introduction Anyone exploring the Catholic faith and curious about its prayer traditions Spiritual seekers who feel drawn to something deeper but aren't sure where to begin People of faith who want to move beyond rote prayer into genuine encounter The approach is simple, accessible, and welcoming. No jargon. No assumptions. Just an invitation to experience the transformative power of praying with Scripture. 

Available Now in the Saintly Journeys Formation Center.

Come and see what happens when you give God six weeks.

I will be posting my reflections, and I hope you all do the same.

Coming Soon: A Gentle Introduction to Prayer Through the Psalms

Six weeks. Six themes. One ancient prayer book that still speaks today.

If you've ever wanted to learn how to pray but didn't know where to start, this guide is for you.

Next week, I'm launching a free six-week prayer guide designed specifically for seekers and beginners—people who are curious about prayer but intimidated by religious language, unsure of the "right" way to do it, or simply looking for a gentle entry point into the spiritual life.

What Makes This Different?

This isn't a program that assumes you already know the vocabulary or have years of church experience. It's designed to meet you exactly where you are, with no prerequisites and no expectations.

Each week focuses on one accessible theme:

Week 1: Taking the First Step – Starting a prayer practice when you're not sure how
Week 2: Finding Peace – Learning to quiet your mind and heart
Week 3: Being Honest – Discovering that God can handle your real feelings
Week 4: Experiencing Wonder – Opening your eyes to beauty and awe
Week 5: Asking for Help – Bringing your actual needs to prayer
Week 6: Finding Gratitude – Cultivating thankfulness as a way of life

Why the Psalms?

The Book of Psalms has been called the prayer book of the Bible—and for good reason. These ancient prayers express every human emotion: joy, anger, fear, gratitude, confusion, and hope. They've been prayed by Jews and Christians for thousands of years, by people in every circumstance imaginable.

What makes them perfect for beginners? They're honest. Raw. Real. They don't ask you to pretend everything is fine or to use language that doesn't feel like your own. They teach us that prayer isn't about performing for God—it's about showing up authentically.

What You'll Need

• 15-20 minutes a few times each week
• An open heart and a willingness to try
• No religious background required

That's it. No theological degree. No fancy prayer language. Just you and a centuries-old conversation with the Divine.

A Personal Note

I know what it's like to feel like prayer is for "other people"—people who are more spiritual, more religious, more practiced. But prayer isn't about getting it right. It's about showing up honestly, wherever you are on your journey.

This guide is my way of extending a simple invitation: Come and see. Try it for six weeks. See what happens when you give yourself permission to pray in a way that feels authentic to you.

Mark Your Calendar

The free downloadable guide launches next week. Watch this space for the announcement, and feel free to share this with anyone who might be curious about taking their first steps into prayer.

Sometimes the most profound journeys begin with the simplest invitation.

Are you ready to take the first step?

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