Listen to “Esther and Jacob”, the 3rd episode of the new audio retreat for Lent 2024.
Tune for this thought-provoking new audio retreat episode and rediscover the stories of Esther – a devout woman trapped in a gilded cage – and Jacob, a man transformed through a strange encounter in the desert.
This five-part series will accompany you through the coming weeks of Lent – look out for a new episode every Sunday!
If you haven’t already, sign up for the St Augustine’s College newsletter to get new episodes and resources straight to your inbox every Sunday.
“What if the wilderness isn’t out there, but in here?”
In this new episode, led by Rev Harriet Johnson, we turn our gaze inward toward the soul-stretching struggle that is facing one’s inner-wilderness.
We remember the story of Esther; a queen living in the lap of luxury, but cut off from her family and forced to keep her faith a secret. We examine how Esther fights back against the numbing loneliness of isolation, looking to God for a way to save her people from afar.
We also reflect on the story of Jacob, from Genesis. Despite being a wealthy and powerful man, Jacob carries inside him a wilderness of self-doubt and fear. It’s only through a strange encounter in the desert – and God’s intervention – that Jacob finds what he’s been unknowingly searching for.
How to listen to this audio retreat episode
To listen to this episode of the Lent audio retreat, follow this link to the YouTube version of the episode or listen directly using the YouTube player below.
Alongside listening to the episode on YouTube, you download the audio in MP4 format and listen on your phone or computer.
If require additional accessibility resources to enjoy this audio retreat, you can download the transcript for this episode. You can also use the subtitles/closed captions on the YouTube video.
There is no right or wrong way to listen to this audio retreat. You can listen to it as many times as you like, by yourself or with others.
Resources for prayer and reflection
To accompany you on your audio journey, you can download helpful visual and written resources, designed to help you along in your reflection and prayer.
Although it’s not necessary for you to use the downloadable resources to enjoy this audio retreat, it can add a greater dimension to your reflection and prayer.
New episodes throughout February and March
This is the first episode in a five-part series. Each Sunday of this Lent season, we’ll be releasing a new episode of this audio retreat.
To ensure you receive the next episode straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter.
If you’d like to listen to more audio retreats, you can explore some of our previous series and take a prayerful audio journey with Chris Chapman, Harriet Johnson and a number of special guests.
