New Horizons on the Road: What's Growing at Saintly Journeys

There is a passage in the Gospel of John that has always moved me — two disciples following Jesus down a dusty road, and Jesus turning to ask them: What are you looking for? They don't have a tidy answer. They ask instead if they can come along. And He says simply: Come and you will see. That invitation is the heartbeat of everything happening at Saintly Journeys right now. 

This ministry is growing — not because it has all the answers, but because the road is wide enough for everyone who is still walking, still seeking, still asking.

There is much to share with you today. I want to walk you through each one with care, because each of these things matters — and each of them belongs to you as much as it belongs to this ministry.

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I. A New Home for Formation

One of the most exciting developments here at Saintly Journeys is the launch of a dedicated home for all of our formation training and study courses. We are in the process of moving everything — every Vineyard course, every Mentor Formation guide, every structured study — to a brand-new destination: www.saintlyjourneysfomationcenter.com.

Stay connected here at SaintlyJourneys.com for the official launch date announcement — it's coming soon.

This is a significant step. Having a dedicated space for formation work means that seekers who come looking for a course will find exactly what they need, without distraction. And it means this site, SaintlyJourneys.com, can remain what it was always meant to be: the front porch — the place where the conversation begins and the road opens up.

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II. Who We Are: The Door Is Always Open

Saintly Journeys Ministry was founded on a conviction that the invitation of Jesus Christ belongs to everyone — not just those who grew up in the right church, carry the right credentials, or have the right answers. The road is open. The door is always open. And the only requirement to walk through it is the willingness to come.

Whether you come from a non-denominational congregation, a Protestant tradition, a Catholic parish, or no church background at all — you are exactly the kind of person this ministry was built for.

Saintly Journeys does not ask you to change your tradition before you arrive. It simply walks with you wherever the road leads. This is not a parish ministry. It is not a denominational program. It is a companion ministry — rooted in Scripture, shaped by the Come & See spirit of John 1:39, and committed to the conviction that every seeker deserves someone willing to walk alongside them on the road toward Jesus Christ.

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III. The Root Ministry: The Vine from Which Every Branch Grows

Saintly Journeys Ministry is The Root Ministry — the vine. It is the parent from which every branch draws its life. Founded in July 2024 and registered as a Soul Center with the Christian Leaders Alliance, Saintly Journeys Ministry exists for a single, unwavering purpose: to walk with people on the road toward Jesus Christ.

The ministry is lay-led, digitally rooted, and ecumenically welcoming. It is not a parish program, a diocesan initiative, or a theological institution. It is a companion ministry — one man answering one call, walking alongside everyone God sends his way, from the first-time seeker to the lifelong believer who has hit a wall of silence.

Everything that grows from this ministry — the blog, the Formation Center, the Substack, the Men of the Vineyard brotherhood — draws its life from this one root. The branches are many. The vine is one.

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IV. The Pilgrim's Year: A Sacred Calendar for Every Pilgrim

I have heard it from so many of you: I want structure in my prayer life. I want to know what to read, when to read it, and how to let it actually form me — not just inform me. That longing is holy, and it deserved a real answer.

The Catholic tradition has long used a three-year lectionary cycle that moves through the Gospels and marks the great seasons of the year. I prayed over that structure, sat with it, and heard a quiet question rise up: Why not create something like that — but open to every pilgrim? And so, The Pilgrim's Year was born.

The Pilgrim's Year is a three-year cycle of gospel readings organized around five seasons of the soul's journey with Christ. Drawing from the Come & See architecture of John 1:39, the transforming walk of the Emmaus Road, and the Vineyard imagery at the heart of this ministry, the Pilgrim's Year invites every pilgrim — Catholic, Protestant, and seeker alike — into an unhurried, formational encounter with the Living Word.

The five seasons are: Awakening, Encounter, Formation, Mission, and The Fallow.

Each year follows a primary Gospel evangelist while weaving all four Gospels through the seasons. The readings are not merely texts to study — they are roads to walk, chosen to move souls from awakening all the way through to the holy rest of the Fallow, before the cycle begins again. More details on The Pilgrim's Year are coming soon.

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V. Our Patron Saint: St. Philip the Apostle

Every ministry that carries a name also carries a spirit. The spirit of Saintly Journeys Ministry is found in four words across two verses. The first was spoken by Jesus: Come and you will see (John 1:39). The second was spoken by Philip: Come and see (John 1:46).

Philip heard the invitation, believed it immediately, and passed it on — word for word — to a skeptic who doubted whether anything good could come from where Jesus came from. Philip did not argue with Nathanael. He did not present a theological defense or marshal his evidence. He simply said: Come and see. Three words. An open door. A trust that what Nathanael would find at the end of the road would be worth the journey.

That is what Saintly Journeys Ministry says to every seeker, every day. Philip spoke these words first. They are his — and because they are his, the ministry that carries them also carries him.

It is a joy and a grace to name St. Philip the Apostle as the Patron Saint of Saintly Journeys Ministry. May he walk with us on this road, and may every pilgrim we accompany find, at the end of it, exactly what Philip promised Nathanael would be there.

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Thank you for walking this road with us. More is coming — and the best of it is still ahead. Stay connected here at SaintlyJourneys.com, watch for the Formation Center launch, and as always: you are welcome here, exactly as you are.

In the Come & See spirit, Randy Lay Evangelist, Saintly Journeys Ministry

An Invitation into Holy Week - Explore

 Something is about to happen that changes everything.

Every year, the Church invites us back to the foot of the Cross — not as spectators, but as pilgrims. Holy Week is not a series of religious obligations to check off a calendar. It is a journey. A sacred passage through the final days of Jesus' earthly life, walked in community, walked with intention, and — if we allow it — walked in a way that transforms us from the inside out.

Whether you are a lifelong Catholic who has participated in these sacred rites for decades, a seeker still testing the waters of faith, or someone returning after a long time away, there is a place for you here. 

What Holy Week holds for you:

Palm Sunday opens the week with the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem — and reminds us how quickly celebration can give way to betrayal. It is an honest mirror. We have all waved our palms and then walked away.

Holy Thursday brings us into the Upper Room, where Jesus knelt at the feet of his disciples and redefined what it means to lead, to love, and to serve. The institution of the Eucharist is not ancient history — it is the living heartbeat of our faith, renewed at every Mass.

Good Friday asks us to be still. To stand at the foot of the Cross without rushing past it. To let the weight of the wood settle into our hearts. There is no resurrection without this day, and there is no authentic Christian life without learning to sit in the silence of suffering — our own, and the world's.

The Easter Vigil is the great mother of all celebrations. The fire. The darkness. The waters. The Word. If you have never attended an Easter Vigil, I want to gently encourage you: go. It may be one of the most beautiful nights of your life.

Easter Sunday is not the end of the journey — it is the beginning. The disciples on the road to Emmaus didn't recognize Jesus until after He broke the bread. Our hearts, too, are made to burn.

Wherever you are in your walk with Christ, this week is for you. The vine is alive, and the branches are waiting.

He is risen. He is risen indeed.

The Invitation Going Forward

The past 6 weeks, for those who have followed Praying with The Psalms, have been an invitation to Come & See (John 1:39). 

 You came. You saw. You tried prayer. You brought your questions. You showed up. 

 Now the invitation is: 

Keep coming home. Not perfectly. Not without questions. Not without struggle. 

But keep entering those gates with thanksgiving. Keep recognizing you're the sheep and God is the shepherd. Keep trusting that His merciful love endures forever. 

Keep coming home to the God who's been waiting for you all along. 

Now What? 

Option 1: Keep Praying the Psalms.  There are 150 psalms. You've only scratched the surface. Pick another psalm and use the same Lectio Divina method. 

Option 2: Pray the Gospels.  Try applying Lectio Divina to the stories of Jesus. Start with the Gospel of Mark—it's short and vivid. 

Option 3: Explore the Liturgy of the Hours.  The Catholic Church prays the Psalms daily through the Liturgy of the Hours. Apps like iBreviary or Laudate make it accessible.

Option 4: Find Community Prayer can start alone, but it grows best in community. 

Consider: 

 • Visiting a local Catholic parish 

 • Attending an OCIA inquiry session (no commitment required) 

 • Joining an online Bible study or prayer group, like this one at Saintly Journeys. 

 • Finding a Spiritual Director 

 The Most Important Thing:  Don't stop praying. It doesn't have to be every day. It doesn't have to be perfect. But keep showing up. Keep seeking. Keep listening. 

Prayer is a relationship, and relationships require presence.  

"O taste and see that the LORD is good! Happy is the man who takes refuge in him!" — Psalm 34:8 

It has been an absolute blessing sharing the Psalms with you all and Meeting You Where You Are!

Week 6: Finding Gratitude

 Psalm 100 - “We Are His People, the Sheep of His Pasture" 

 Read this slowly: 

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the lands! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the LORD is God! It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him, bless his name! For the LORD is good; his merciful love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

REFLECT (Reread it): 

 • This is a psalm of pure joy and gratitude. Even if you're beginning to pray, there are things to be grateful for. 

 • What does “make a joyful noise" mean to you? Does joy in prayer feel natural or awkward? 

 • “It is he that made us, and we are his." How does it feel to hear that you belong to God? Comforting? Strange? Hard to believe? 

 • “Enter his gates with thanksgiving." What are you genuinely grateful for right now—even in the midst of struggle?

 • This psalm was sung by people entering the Temple—coming home to worship. Where is "home" for you spiritually? Have you found it yet, or are you still searching?

RESPOND (Talk to God):

If you're feeling grateful: Tell God specifically what you're thankful for. Make a list—out loud or in your heart. Your health, family, and home. A friend who showed up when you needed them. The fact that you're here, praying, seeking. 

If you're struggling to feel grateful: That's okay. Be honest: “God, this psalm is about joy, but I don't feel joyful right now." “I want to be thankful; God can handle your honesty. Bring what you have, even if it's not overflowing gratitude. But I'm struggling. Help me see what's good." 

 If you're feeling like you don't belong: Tell Him: “The sheep imagery is nice, but I don't feel part of the flock." God meets you in that honesty, too.

Now, simply rest. 

 You don't need more words. You don't need to produce insights or feelings. Just sit in reality: 

 • You were made by God 

 • You belong to God 

 • God's merciful love endures forever 

 • God is faithful 

 Repeat quietly in your heart (or out loud): 

 "The LORD is good." 

 "His merciful love endures forever." 

 "I am his."

A Prayer for Week 6

Lord, After six weeks of seeking, questioning, listening, and learning, I come to this final psalm with whatever gratitude I can muster. 

Some days, thanksgiving flows easily. Other days, I have to search for it. 

 Help me to know—really know—that I belong. That I'm not an accident. That You made me, and I'm Yours. 

 Thank You for meeting me in these ancient words. 

Thank You for being patient with my questions. Thank You for Your merciful love that endures even when my faith wavers. 

 Teach me to make a joyful noise—imperfect, unrehearsed, but genuine. 

 Teach me to enter Your gates with thanksgiving, recognizing that gratitude is the path home. 

 And most of all, help me remember: I'm Your sheep, and You're my shepherd. 

 I don't have to find the way on my own. I just have to follow Your voice. 

 Thank You for these six weeks. Thank You for this journey. 

Thank You for meeting me here. 

 Amen

Week 5: Asking for Help

 Psalm 25:1-7 – “Teach Me Your Paths”

Read this slowly: 

 To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust, let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Yes, let none that wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. Be mindful of your mercy, O LORD, and of your merciful love, for they have been from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, or my transgressions; according to your merciful love, remember me, for your goodness' sake, O LORD!

REFLECT (Reread it): 

 • The psalmist is asking to be taught: "Make me to know your ways... teach me your paths." 

 • If you're exploring prayer, you're already doing this—you're asking to be taught.

 • "Remember not the sins of my youth, or my transgressions." We all have regrets. The psalmist asks God to remember him in love, not for his mistakes. 

 • Notice the waiting: "for you I wait all the day long." Sometimes prayer is simply waiting with openness. 

 RESPOND (Talk to God): Ask God to teach you. Tell Him, "I don't know how to pray. I don't know what to believe. Show me." If you have regrets weighing on you, tell Him about those, too. 

 REST: You don't have to have all the answers. Rest in being a student, a learner, someone willing to be taught.

Week 4: Experiencing Wonder

Psalm 19: “The Heavens are Telling”
 

Read this slowly: 

The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them, he has set a tent for the sun, which comes forth like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

REFLECT (Reread it): 

 • Even if you're not sure about God, you've probably experienced awe: a sunset, the ocean, mountains, a starry night.

 • The psalmist says creation itself is speaking, declaring something about its Maker.

 • “There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out."

 • Have you ever felt something bigger than yourself when experiencing nature? 

 RESPOND (Talk to God): Tell God about a time you felt wonder. Maybe at the ocean, or holding a baby, or seeing something beautiful. Ask Him to help you notice His presence in the world around you. 

 REST: If you can, go outside. Look up. Notice the sky, the trees, the birds. Let yourself simply receive beauty without needing to explain it. 

"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." - Psalm 145:18

Week 3: Being Honest

Psalm 13: “How Long, O Lord?” 

 Read this slowly: 

How long, O LORD? Will you forget me for ever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I bear pain in my soul, and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; lighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed over him"; lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken. 

But I have trusted in your merciful love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me. 

REFLECT (Reread it):

• This psalm starts with raw, honest questions. Four times: "How long?" The psalmist is frustrated, maybe even angry. 

• Notice that the psalmist doesn't pretend to have it all together. Prayer isn't about being polite—it's about being real. 

• "How long must I bear pain in my soul?" If you've felt this, you're not alone. This is in the Bible. 

• The psalm ends with trust, but it starts with struggle. That's okay. You don't have to skip to the happy ending. 

• The struggles aren't obstacles to prayer; they're the raw material of it. Bringing your struggle to God's conversation is essential because it's the root of change and growth. When you name what's actually weighing on you—when you stop performing spiritually and start being real—you create the conditions for God to meet you where you are, not where you think you should be. You can't be transformed by a conversation you're not actually having. 

• So when you sit down with Scripture, don't sanitize your prayer. Bring the mess. God's not afraid of it. The psalm ends with trust because it started with struggle. That's where the Holy Spirit does His work.

RESPOND (Talk to God): 

 Ask God your "How long?" questions. How long will this loneliness last? How long until things get better? How long will I feel lost? Don't edit yourself. God can handle your questions. 

REST: You don't need to resolve everything. Sit with your questions. God is big enough to hold them with you.

Week 2: Finding Peace

 Psalm 46: “Be Still, and Know That I Am God" 

 Read this slowly: 

 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 

Therefore, we will not fear though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea. Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Selah 

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her right early. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah 

Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has wrought desolations in the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear, he burns the chariots with fire! "Be still and know that I am God. I am exalted among the nations; I am exalted in the earth!" The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah 

 REFLECT (Reread it): • "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Not distant. Not absent. Present. • The imagery is chaotic: earth changing, mountains shaking, waters roaring. Life can feel like that. • But then: "Be still and know that I am God." In the chaos, there's an invitation to stillness. • You don't have to create the stillness yourself. It's a gift God offers. 

 RESPOND (Talk to God): What feels chaotic in your life right now? What mountains are shaking? Talk to God about the turmoil. Then ask Him to help you be still, even for just a few minutes. 

 REST: Repeat quietly to yourself: "Be still and know that I am God." Let your breathing slow. You don't have to fix anything right now. Just be still. "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." - Psalm 145:18

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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Want to be notified the moment the guide launches? Drop a comment below or make sure you're subscribed to receive updates from Saintly Journeys.

A Conversation with God: Discovering Lectio Divina

 

Have you ever wished you could have a real conversation with God? Not just talking at Him during prayers you've memorized, but actually listening and encountering Him personally?

That's exactly what Lectio Divina offers.

What Is Lectio Divina?

Lectio Divina (pronounced LEX-ee-oh dih-VEE-nah) is Latin for "divine reading" or "sacred reading." It's an ancient Christian practice of praying with Scripture that goes back to the early centuries of the Church. Think of it as a slow, contemplative way of reading the Bible where you're not trying to study it or analyze it—you're opening yourself to meet the God who speaks through it.

Saint Benedict made this prayer practice central to monastic life in the 6th century, but here's the beautiful truth: Lectio Divina isn't just for monks. It's for every Christian who wants to deepen their relationship with God through His living Word.

Why Does This Matter?

We live in a world of information overload. We're used to skimming articles, scrolling through social media, and consuming content at lightning speed. But God doesn't shout over the noise. He whispers. He waits. He invites.

Lectio Divina teaches us to slow down, to read with our hearts and not just our minds, and to give God space to speak into our lives. As the prophet Elijah discovered, God often comes not in the earthquake or the fire, but in the "still small voice" (1 Kings 19:12).

When we practice Lectio Divina, we're essentially accepting God's invitation: "Come and see" (John 1:39).

The Four Movements of Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina isn't complicated. It follows a natural rhythm with four movements:

1. Lectio (Reading)
Read the Scripture passage slowly, perhaps even aloud. Don't rush. Let the words wash over you. You're not reading for information—you're listening for God's voice. What word, phrase, or image stands out to you?

2. Meditatio (Meditation)
Sit with the word or phrase that caught your attention. Turn it over in your mind like a precious stone, examining it from different angles. What is God saying to you through these words? How does this connect to your life right now?

3. Oratio (Prayer)
Respond to God. Talk to Him about what you've heard. This is the heart of the conversation. Share your joy, your struggles, your questions, your gratitude. Be honest. Be real. God can handle it all.

4. Contemplatio (Contemplation)
Rest in God's presence. This is where words fade and you simply abide with Him. You're not trying to think or do anything—just be. Let God love you. Receive whatever He wants to give you in this moment of silence.

An Ancient Practice for Modern Life

The early Church Fathers saw Scripture as more than words on a page. Saint Jerome wrote, "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ." When we practice Lectio Divina, we're not just learning about Jesus—we're encountering Him.

This ancient prayer practice has guided Christians for nearly 2,000 years, and it's perhaps more needed today than ever. In our fragmented, distracted age, Lectio Divina offers us a way to be present, to listen, and to meet the God who is always speaking, always inviting us deeper.

Your Invitation

God is speaking to you through His Word. He has something to say to you today—yes, you specifically. Something that addresses your joys, your struggles, your questions, your deepest longings.

The invitation is simple: Come and see.

Are you ready to begin the conversation?

Want to Pray But Don't Know Where to Start?

Have you ever wanted to pray but didn't know where to start?

Maybe you've tried praying before but felt like you were doing it "wrong." Or you're genuinely curious about faith but don't know how to take that first step. Or perhaps you grew up praying but somehow stopped along the way, and now it feels awkward—even a little embarrassing—to start again.

I get it. Prayer can feel intimidating.

For years, I knew about prayer. I'd heard of various prayer practices, including something called Lectio Divina, which kept coming up in Catholic circles. But honestly? I had no real idea what it actually was or how to do it. It sounded mysterious, maybe even a little complicated—like something for monks or "serious" Catholics, not regular people like me.

Then came January 2021. My wife and I spent a couple of months in Florida during the winter—kind of testing out what would become our new home. I came across an online Lenten retreat offered by the Diocese of St. Petersburg: "Praying Scripture for a Change: An Introduction to Lectio Divina."

That retreat changed everything for me. This ancient prayer practice—one that seemed so mysterious before—suddenly made complete sense. It wasn't complicated at all. It was just a beautiful, simple way to let Scripture speak directly to your heart.

Over the next couple of weeks, I want to share this practice with you. Whether you're a complete beginner to prayer or someone who's been at it for years but feels stuck, I think you'll find something life-giving here.

Let me show you how to start. 

Follow and stay tuned more to come.

#Prayer #Spirituality #Faith #CatholicFaith #Seeking

Coming When Called: The Gospel Invitation to Follow Reflections on Mark 1:14-20

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him. 

There's something beautifully abrupt about this gospel passage. Jesus doesn't offer a theological dissertation. He doesn't present credentials or outline a detailed ministry plan. He simply walks along the shore and says, "Come after me."

 And they come. 

Simon and Andrew drop their nets mid-cast. James and John leave their father in the boat, mending half-finished. The text gives us no record of their internal deliberations, nor any mention of weighing pros and cons. Just the call, and the response.

 This is how the kingdom breaks into ordinary life—not through our careful planning, but through divine interruption. 

Meeting People Where They Are 

Notice where Jesus finds these first disciples: at work, hands occupied with the familiar rhythms of their trade. He doesn't wait for them to come to the synagogue or complete a period of formal preparation. He meets them on the shore, among the nets and boats and fish. 

This is the heart of what we're about at Saintly Journeys. We don't wait for seekers to find their way to traditional spaces or master religious vocabulary before beginning the conversation. We meet people where they already are—scrolling through social media, searching online for meaning, wrestling with questions in the middle of ordinary life. 

Jesus's "Come and see" approach didn't require his first disciples to have it all figured out before following. They learned by walking with him, by being in relationship with him. Our ministry embraces this same spirit of invitation over interrogation, companionship over credentials. 

The Time of Fulfillment

 "This is the time of fulfillment," Jesus proclaims. Not someday. Not after you've gotten your life in order or completed your spiritual checklist. This is the time. Now is when the kingdom draws near. How many of us spend years waiting for the "right time" to respond to God's call? We tell ourselves we'll pray more deeply when life calms down, we'll explore our faith when we're less busy, we'll answer that tug toward something more when we feel more qualified.

 But Jesus's call to those fishermen reminds us: the time is now. The invitation comes in the middle of the ordinary, and it asks for an immediate response. 

That's why Saintly Journeys exists in digital spaces—because people are searching, questioning, feeling that pull toward something transcendent now. We can't wait for perfect conditions. The kingdom is at hand today, in this moment, wherever you're reading these words. 

Becoming Fishers of Men

 Jesus promises to transform these fishermen's existing skills and experiences into something new: "I will make you fishers of men." He doesn't ask them to become something completely foreign to themselves. Instead, he reorients their gifts toward a greater purpose.

 This is God's pattern with each of us. Our backgrounds, our experiences, even our questions and doubts—none of it is wasted. God takes what we already are and invites us into a larger story.

 As fellow pilgrims on this journey, we don't claim to have reached a spiritual destination. We're simply further along the path, extending the same invitation we once received: Come and see. Walk with us. Let's discover together what it means to follow. The nets can wait. The familiar can be left behind. The kingdom is breaking into your ordinary life right now.

 What is Jesus calling you to leave behind today? What might he be inviting you toward?

Is This Your Year? An Invitation to Walk Toward the Light

 

Looking at this powerful image that graces our new beginning, we see Christ reaching out His hand toward us—an eternal gesture of invitation, of welcome, of divine love beckoning us forward. His outstretched arm breaks through the luminous background, reminding us that He doesn't wait for us to find our way in the darkness. He comes to meet us, extending His hand into whatever shadows we inhabit, calling us to follow Him into the light.

A New Beginning, A Timeless Invitation

Welcome to the reimagined Saintly Journeys.

As we stand at the threshold of 2026, everything feels fresh, bright, and full of promise. You might notice something different here—a lighter, more radiant aesthetic that reflects the very heart of our mission: walking toward the Light of the World, Jesus Christ. This isn't just a visual refresh; it's a recommitment to the fundamental invitation that has echoed through two millennia of Christian witness.

Come & See: An Invitation to Discover Christ.

These simple words—lifted directly from the Gospel of John—capture everything we're about. They're the same words Jesus spoke to those first curious seekers, the fishermen who wondered who this rabbi might be. "Come and see," He said, not demanding immediate commitment, not requiring complete understanding, simply inviting them to take a step, to draw closer, to experience for themselves.

And that's precisely what we're inviting you to do here.

The Question That Changes Everything

Is this your year?

It's a question we often ask ourselves in January. Is this the year I finally get in shape? Is this the year I change careers, write that book, repair that relationship, break that habit? We stand on January 1st like travelers at a crossroads, sensing possibility, hoping for transformation, wondering if this time might be different.

But what if we asked a deeper question? What if, beneath all those perfectly valid aspirations, there's a more fundamental inquiry waiting to be voiced?

Is this the year you finally respond to Christ's outstretched hand?

Is this the year you stop circling around faith and step closer? Is this the year you move from curious observer to committed disciple? Is this the year you stop merely learning about Christ and actually encounter Him?

Look again at that image of our Lord. His hand isn't tentative or uncertain. He's not passively waiting at a distance. He's actively reaching, extending, and inviting. The light surrounds Him, emanates from Him, and He's stepping toward us with that hand outstretched, as if to say: "Here I am. I've been waiting. Will you come?"

The question isn't whether He's ready for you. He is. He always has been. The question is:

Are you ready for Him?

Come & See

John 1:35-39 (RSV 2^nd Catholic Edition)

"The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples; and he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of God!' The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, 'What do you seek?' And they said to him, 'Rabbi' (which means Teacher), 'where are you staying?' He said to them, 'Come and see.' They came and saw where he was staying; and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour."

Jesus could have given them a theological lecture or demanded immediate conversion. But that's not what He did.

He said to them, "Come and see."

This is the pattern of authentic faith: Come. Taste and see. Draw near. Seek. Faith isn't passive—it's a response to an invitation, a step toward the Light, a hand reaching back to grasp the hand already extended toward you.

Meeting You Where You Are

One of the things I love most about that image of Christ reaching toward us is that His hand extends into our space. He doesn't remain in some distant realm, waiting for us to make our way to Him. He comes to where we are.

Whether you're a lifelong Catholic or a convert like me seeking deeper spiritual formation or someone who's never set foot in a church but finds yourself drawn to questions of faith—you're welcome here. Your questions are honored. Your search for truth is precisely what led those first disciples to Jesus.

I'm not a theologian with letters after my name. I'm a layperson, a fellow pilgrim who has experienced Christ's love and wants to share that with others. 

As I often say, God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

Walking Toward the Light in 2026

This new, brighter theme isn't just aesthetic. It represents a fundamental truth: we're always moving, always journeying, always being drawn forward by the Light.

Walking toward the light means making daily choices to align yourself with Christ. It means choosing virtue over vice, truth over deception, love over selfishness. It means getting up each morning and deciding, again, to follow Jesus.

It means engaging in spiritual practices that keep you oriented toward God: prayer, Scripture reading, sacramental life, and acts of charity. These aren't arbitrary religious hoops to jump through; they're the very means by which we maintain our connection to the Light.

But here's what walking toward the light doesn't mean: It doesn't mean perfection. It doesn't mean never stumbling or doubting. It doesn't mean you have to have it all figured out before you take the first step.

I stumble just like all of you. I created Saintly Journeys to remind myself of these truths, and I want to share them with all of you.

Christ's hand reaches toward us in our imperfection. He invites us to come as we are. His light doesn't expose our darkness to shame us, but to heal us.

What Awaits You

Throughout 2026, we'll offer accessible spiritual formation that meets you wherever you are and helps you and me together take the next step toward Christ. Throughout the year, I will be posting blogs and other content, reflections on the liturgical year, and practical guidance for deepening your prayer life.

The point isn't just knowledge—it's helping you respond to Christ's outstretched hand and walk toward the Light.

A Personal Word

As I write this, I'm mindful of my own journey—from that Cursillo weekend where I heard God's call, through years of learning and growing and stumbling and getting back up, to this moment of launching a new year and a new expression of our ministry.

 I'm mindful that I'm a layperson in central, Florida, trying to be faithful to a calling I never anticipated. I'm blessed by my wonderful spouse, who supports this work, and by the Orlando Diocese Cursillo community that shaped my faith. I'm mindful of my studies in spiritual direction at the Avila Institute, which continue to shape me as I walk alongside others seeking Christ.

But most of all, I'm mindful of grace—God's absolutely gratuitous, unmerited, lavish grace that has transformed my life and continues to transform it daily. None of us deserves the invitation Christ extends. All of us receive it as a pure gift. The only appropriate response is gratitude, and gratitude expressed through action: accepting the invitation, grasping the hand, walking toward the Light, and inviting others to do the same.

That's what Saintly Journeys is about. That's what "Come & See" means. That's why we're here.

Your Next Step

Don't let this moment pass. You've read this far, which means something resonated. Don't let that fade into background noise.

Take one concrete step today:

• Share your email, first name, and any thoughts in the Come and See section. (I will hold your information within and will not share it; you will only receive emails from saintlyjourneys@gmail.com)
• Explore our available programs
• Commit to one spiritual practice—daily prayer, weekly Mass, regular Scripture reading
• Reach out with your questions or your desire to go deeper

The Light is shining. The hand is extended. The invitation is offered.

Is this your year?

Come and see.

A Blessing for Your Journey

As we begin this new year together, I want to leave you with a blessing:

May the Lord bless you and keep you as you take your next step toward Him.

May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and illuminate the path before you.

May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace—the peace that comes from knowing you're loved, you're invited, you're welcomed into the very heart of God.

May you have the courage to grasp Christ's outstretched hand.

May you have the perseverance to keep walking even when the way seems difficult.

And may this be your year—the year you respond to the invitation that has been waiting for you since before you were born.

Welcome to Saintly Journeys. Welcome to the Light.

Come and see.

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Randy Schwingle is the founder of Saintly Journeys, an online Catholic evangelization ministry. A Eucharistic Minister at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Wildwood, Florida, he is active in the Cursillo movement and studies spiritual direction at the Avila Institute. Responding to Isaiah 6:8—"Here am I. Send me!"—Randy creates accessible resources for spiritual formation and outreach.