Visual Prayer

On the First Friday, June 2nd, 2023, the month of the Sacred Heart, I made a Consecration to St. Joseph.

Thanks to a dear friend who shared this opportunity with me. 

I am so grateful for this Consecration to St. Joseph. 

I didn't have much of a relationship with St. Joseph before this consecration.

However, Sister Miriam James, on the Hallow app, inspired me to lean on this beloved saint. 

One of my favorite parts leading up to the Consecration was a way to visualize, mediate and pray with the holy family. 

 Search for Joseph, Father to Jesus - Day 15 of the Consecration to Saint Joseph to experience this peaceful way of praying with Sister Miriam James on the Hallow app. 

I encourage you to invest in the Hallow app if you haven't already. 

 I am going to share in my own words the visual prayer experience. 

Breathe in and breathe out.

Come, Holy Spirit. 

Picture Nazareth the home of the holy family.  

 Jesus, Mary and Joseph are real people. 

They are a real family. 

Close your eyes and picture Mary cooking in the small kitchen. 

Imagine the smell of the food cooking and listening to her sing as she works. 

Imagine Jesus setting the table while giggling with his father St. Joseph. 

Dinner is ready. 

The three family member sit down. 

They are happy and smiling together. 

Then there is a knock at the door. 

You are the one knocking. 

This holy family knew you would come. 

They are delighted you came.

A fourth spot at the table was already prepared for you. 

You can sit anywhere you like. 

Next to Mary, Jesus or Joseph. 

St. Joseph provides a chair for you. 

Mary fills your plate. 

Jesus smiles over at you. 

You can speak with them or just quietly be present with them. 

Either way they know your heart. 

They listen to you and they love you.  

They just want to be with you.

They love you. 

What is it like to be with people who love you? 

St. Joseph's heart is for you.

He asks you what is on your heart. 

Share with Joseph, Mary and Jesus what is on your heart. 

Share your dreams or your fears. 

Share your whole heart. 

They are listening and they care about you. 

They are not overwhelmed but very understanding.

What do they say to you? 

How do Jesus, Mary and Joseph console your heart? 

We always have a place at this table. 

St. Joseph, father to Jesus and husband of Mary, intercede for us deeply. 

Again, this was summarized from Sister Miriam's podcast on hallow. 

I loved this way of praying. It is a form of prayer I am going to continue to use to draw closer to St. Joseph and his holy family. 

I hope you will too. 

Image by Liana Mikah