What can we learn from medieval Christians about Jesus and how could such ideas connect with our modern day world? Author and scholar Grace Hamman joins us on the podcast to discuss her book Jesus through Medieval Eyes: Beholding Christ with the Artists, Mystics, and Theologians of the Middle Ages. Grace writes about medieval representations of Jesus, highlighting ways that these images can enrich our own faith today. Grace helps us to see that a deep understanding of these historical concepts allows us to expand our view of God and reveal our own unexplored assumptions, much in the way we grow when learning about other present-day cultures. Grace doesn’t shy away from the challenges of studying medieval literature, and at the same time she paints an appealing picture of the ways our own spiritual understanding can grow through this kind of reading.

“You discover these people who uniquely speak to you, who are not just wonderful and wise in their own right, but actually become your teacher and your friend in a very real way.”

It’s comforting to remember the faithful foundation laid by all those saints who have gone before us. Our modern-day struggles and concerns may not have been envisioned by our forebears, but we can learn from their wisdom. We’re reminded of our visio divina series. This eight-part cycle of articles teaches us how to watch for spiritual insight through art — a skill that was keener perhaps in days before widespread literacy. What can we learn for our work today by looking at the art of yesteryear?

“Visio divina invites us to engage with God using our minds, our imaginations, and our hearts. Many of us ‘live in our heads,’ so it’s helpful to be led into exercises which engage all of who we are. Whether this practice is new to you or very familiar, our prayer is that it will be life-giving.”

You’re Invited!

Weekly Prayer is taking a break for the summer! Prayer meetings will resume in August 2024. Stay tuned!

Women, Work & Calling — Summer Book Club. Join us and InterVarsity’s MBA Ministry for a special two-session book club this June 6 & 20 as we discuss Women, Work & Calling (IVP 2024). Joanna Meyer provides a theological framework for women's work and influence and offers resources for the challenges of working life. Click through to register!

Moms at the Well — Summer Book Club. Join us for a special single-session book club this June 10 as we discuss Moms at the Well. This seven-week Bible study offers a modern-day "well" for mothers. We invite you to “take a sip with us” by joining us to do the first chapter. If there is enough interest, we will figure out how to do the rest together! Click through to register!

IVP Faculty exam copies. Professors can request a free exam or desk copy for InterVarsity Press titles adopted for classroom use up to three times a year. Your free exam or desk copy will be sent to you within four weeks. Register for a professional account to access this benefit!

Are you an InterVarsity alum? Use promo code IVCFALUMNI to get a 25% discount at ivpress.com.

Are you a Christian woman working in a STEMM field? WISH (Women in Science & Humanities) aims to encourage and support Christian women in STEMM. Check out their new website, support them by filling out their survey, and forward to your networks of women who might also be interested in participating in the WISH project.

Flourish: How Asian Americans Can Flourish in their Mental Health. In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month and recognition of Mental Health Awareness month in May, AACC invites ministry leaders and individuals alike to join us for two webinars scheduled on May 16 and 23, with more to come in the following months. Click through for details and registration.

Jesus Works Through Nurses. Celebrate National Nurses Month with a new Bible study from Nurses Christian Fellowship "Jesus Works Through Nurses." Share this with nursing students, nursing faculty, and ministry partners as you celebrate all the nurses in your life this month! 

Four More Things We Loved This Week

1. These photos of the Northern Lights from this past week are stunning. (Washington Post, unlocked)

2. Have you ever listened to Pray As You Go? Many of us enjoy this audio devotional. Take a listen to their new offering — “an examen for the end of the working week.”

3. In her latest book of poetry, Luci Shaw looks lovingly at creation. (Christianity Today, unlocked)

4. Has grilling season arrived where you live? Some of us are dusting off this reliable marinade for super-tender and flavorful grilled chicken.