On Prayer: Imagination, Invitation, & the Voice of God with Fr. James Martin

Sacred Ordinary Days with Jenn Giles Kemper

Rev. James Martin, SJ, is a Jesuit priest, best-selling author, and editor-at-large of America magazine. Father Jim, as he graciously lets us call him, joins Jenn Giles Kemper to explore why he believes prayer is, well, for everyone. In this warm and welcoming episode, Father Jim and Jenn discuss Ignatian spirituality, the power of imagination in our prayers, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and how contemplation and action go hand-in-hand. Father Jim also shares how, in his words, “God is making us more loving in prayer.”

On this episode of Sacred Ordinary Days with Jenn Giles Kemper, Father James Martin dives into:

• What motivated him to explore prayer now in his writing
• What our longings to pray tell us about who we are and who God is
• How prayer can help us stay rooted in God in chaotic times
• Why the Examen can be a helpful practice for us all
• Why imagination plays an important role in what we pray — and how — we pray

About the guest: Rev. James Martin, SJ, is the best-selling author of Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone, Jesus: A Pilgrimage, and The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything. Father Martin is a prolific writer in the national media sphere, including in the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. He has appeared on all the major radio and television networks, including NPR’s Fresh Air and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. In 2017, Pope Francis appointed him to be a Consultor for the Vatican's Secretariat for Communication.

Reflection point: In this episode, Father Jim says, “The voice of God is the voice of hope. The voice of despair is not the voice of God.” How does this speak to your soul? Where might the Spirit be leading you into reflection on this idea?

Links:

• Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone (Father Jim’s new book!)
• America Magazine (where Father Jim is Editor at Large)
• Fr. James Martin on Facebook

About Sacred Ordinary Days with Jenn Giles Kemper: Sacred Ordinary Days with Jenn Giles Kemper explores faith where it hits the pavement of work, relationships, creativity, and real life. Inspired by Jenn’s curiosity and faith (and her work as a minister and spiritual director) we’re crafting a show to help you meaningfully explore your own life with Christ — and ultimately lead you to become more wholly human and more fully faithful. On Tuesdays, join us for a conversation with folks whose words, work, and witness have shaped our team’s understanding of God and practice of faith. (Plus, we’re featuring lots of good music, prompts for your reflection and practice, and plenty of invitations into a community of kindred spirits!)

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