SoulWork Sanctuary

e86 Search Me: in Shame

SOULWORK NOTES e86 Search Me: in Shame A Reflection on Genesis 3:7-13, 21 As you move through this week, notice where shame causes hiding. Not to judge yourself. Not to push your feelings away. But to bring them honestly into the presence of God. Shame often convinces us that because we have failed, we are failures. It whispers that we are too exposed, too broken, too far gone to remain fully seen and fully loved. But Genesis 3 reminds us of something deeper. Even after Adam and Eve hid, God came looking for them. “Where are you?” Not with condemnation. But with relationship still open. And in the middle of their shame, God responded with care. As you move through this week, allow yourself to remain present long enough to notice this truth: Shame may cause hiding. But God continues moving toward us with love. A Prayer to Carry Gracious and faithful God: Thank You for seeking me even when shame causes hiding. When I feel exposed, unworthy, or afraid to be seen, remind me that Your love has not moved away from me. Where shame has created distance, bring nearness. Where shame has distorted identity, speak truth gently again. Lead me in Your way everlasting. In Jesus’name, amen. Go Deeper: Notes from the Sanctuary If you desire to go deeper this week, I invite you to join my newsletter, Notes from the Sanctuary. Subscribers receive additional SoulWork resources—guided reflections, Scripture, and practices that are not shared on the podcast or in these notes. It’s a quiet space to continue this work with God, slowly and prayerfully, throughout the week. [Join here] [https://www.patricegerideau.com/join] If this episode met you in a meaningful way, you’re welcome to receive Notes from the Sanctuary [https://www.patricegerideau.com/join]—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 [https://www.patricegerideau.com/sanctuary]. > Until next time, may God bless and keep you, may God’s face shine upon you, and may God grant you peace as you continue your SoulWork. 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.

e85: Search Me: in Anger

SOULWORK NOTES Search Me — in Anger A Reflection on Jonah 4:1-11 As you move through this week, notice where anger rises within you. Not to judge it. Not to suppress it. But to bring it honestly into the presence of God. Anger often points to something deeper— a wound, a grief, a longing, or the sense that something sacred has been threatened. And while anger can harm when it hardens into bitterness or judgment, anger itself is not the enemy. In Jonah’s story, God continues to engage Jonah in the middle of his anger. Not with rejection. Not with abandonment. But with questions. With presence. With patience. “Is it right for you to be angry?” As you move through this week, allow anger to become a place of deeper awareness rather than shame. What is it revealing? What lives underneath it? What might happen if it were brought honestly before God? A Prayer to Carry Gracious and loving God, Thank You for meeting me even in the places where anger rises. Teach me not to hide from what I feel, but to bring it honestly into Your presence. Where anger has become heaviness, bring understanding. Where anger has created distance, bring healing. And where deeper wounds remain, meet me there with compassion. Lead me in Your way everlasting. In Jesus’ name, amen. Go Deeper: Notes from the Sanctuary If you desire to go deeper this week, I invite you to join my newsletter, Notes from the Sanctuary. Subscribers receive additional SoulWork resources—guided reflections, Scripture, and practices that are not shared on the podcast or in these notes. It’s a quiet space to continue this work with God, slowly and prayerfully, throughout the week. [Join here] [https://www.patricegerideau.com/join] If this episode met you in a meaningful way, you’re welcome to receive Notes from the Sanctuary [https://www.patricegerideau.com/join]—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 [https://www.patricegerideau.com/sanctuary]. > Until next time, may God bless and keep you, may God’s face shine upon you, and may God grant you peace as you continue your SoulWork. 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.

e84 Search Me: in Fear

SOULWORK NOTES Search Me — in Fear A Reflection on Judges 6:11-17; 36-39 As you move through this week, notice where fear rises within you. Not to shame it. Not to deny it. But to bring it honestly into the presence of God. Fear often appears where something feels uncertain, vulnerable, or beyond our control. It can lead to hiding, hesitation, overthinking, or the feeling that we are not enough for what is in front of us. And yet, Scripture reminds us that God often meets people not after fear disappears—but in the middle of it. Gideon was hiding when God called him a mighty warrior. And even in Gideon’s questions and uncertainty, God remained patient and present. “I will be with you.” As you move through this week, let those words stay near. A Prayer to Carry Gracious and faithful God: Thank You for meeting me gently in the places where fear still lives. When uncertainty rises, remind me that I am not alone. Where fear causes hiding, draw me into trust. Where fear creates hesitation, strengthen me with Your presence. Lead me in Your way everlasting. In Jesus’ name, amen. Go Deeper: Notes from the Sanctuary If you desire to go deeper this week, I invite you to join my newsletter, Notes from the Sanctuary. Subscribers receive additional SoulWork resources—guided reflections, Scripture, and practices that are not shared on the podcast or in these notes. It’s a quiet space to continue this work with God, slowly and prayerfully, throughout the week. [Join here] [https://www.patricegerideau.com/join] If this episode met you in a meaningful way, you’re welcome to receive Notes from the Sanctuary [https://www.patricegerideau.com/join]—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 [https://www.patricegerideau.com/sanctuary]. > Until next time, may God bless and keep you, may God’s face shine upon you, and may God grant you peace as you continue your SoulWork. 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.

e83 Search Me: in Jealousy

SOULWORK NOTES e83 Search Me: in Jealousy A Reflection on Genesis 4:1–16 As you move through this week, notice when jealousy arises within you. Not to judge it. Not to push it away but to bring it into the presence of God. Jealousy often surfaces when something we value feels threatened—a relationship, a sense of belonging, or even how we see ourselves. When it comes, gently pause and ask: What is this revealing in me? Let that question remain open. Let it lead you into deeper awareness, not quick answers. Scripture reminds us that even here, God meets us—not with condemnation, but with invitation. A Prayer to Carry Gracious and loving God, You see what rises within me and You do not turn away. Search my heart with love. Bring clarity where I feel unsettled, and lead me in Your way—steady, whole, and free. In Jesus’ name, amen. Go Deeper: Notes from the Sanctuary If you desire to go deeper this week, I invite you to join my newsletter, Notes from the Sanctuary. Subscribers receive additional SoulWork resources—guided reflections, Scripture, and practices that are not shared on the podcast or in these notes. It’s a quiet space to continue this work with God, slowly and prayerfully, throughout the week. [Join here [https://www.patricegerideau.com/join]] If this episode met you in a meaningful way, you’re welcome to receive Notes from the Sanctuary [https://www.patricegerideau.com/join]—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 [https://www.patricegerideau.com/sanctuary]. > Until next time, may God bless and keep you, may God’s face shine upon you, and may God grant you peace as you continue your SoulWork. 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.

e82 Learning to See: The Future

SOULWORK NOTES e82 Learning to See: The Future A reflection on John 21:15–19 In this episode, we sit with a quiet conversation between Jesus and Peter. After the resurrection, after the meal, Jesus turns toward Peter—not to revisit failure, but to restore and prepare him for what lies ahead. Through a series of questions and responses, Jesus meets Peter in love, entrusts him with care, and calls him forward. This passage shows us how Jesus holds both our past and our future— healing what has been and leading us into what is still to come. SoulWork 1. Where do you carry a memory of getting it wrong—with God, with others, or within yourself? 2. What do you notice about the way Jesus speaks to Peter—and what does that show you about how He meets you? 3. Where might Jesus be inviting you to respond to His question, “Do you love me?” in your life right now? SoulWork Homework This week, make space for a simple, honest response to Jesus. Set aside a few quiet moments and pray: “Jesus, you know that I love you.” Then choose one small, concrete way to live that love: * offering care to someone * tending to a responsibility you’ve avoided * showing up faithfully in a relationship or task Let your love for Jesus take shape through one act of faithfulness. Closing Blessing Prayer Gracious and faithful God, thank You for meeting us in our failures with mercy, patience, and love. Thank You for restoring us and calling us again. Teach us to love You with honesty and trust, and to follow where You lead. And as we go, shape our lives into a reflection of that love. In Jesus’ name, amen. If this episode met you in a meaningful way, you’re welcome to receive Notes from the Sanctuary [https://www.patricegerideau.com/join]—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 [https://www.patricegerideau.com/sanctuary]. > Until next time, may God bless and keep you, may God’s face shine upon you, and may God grant you peace as you continue your SoulWork. 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.