Praying with the Aramaic Jesus: Finding Inspiration and Purpose (via Zoom)

Presented by Joy Andrews Hayter

You all are shining radiance, flowing together in time outside of time. Let go of trying to define or limit yourselves, boxing in the radiance within: but let your inner light bear witness to the Holy within you, shining forth all around you. —Matthew 5:14-15, an interpretation from the Peshitta* text in Aramaic

As you read the passage above, how does it sit with you? What sensations, feelings, images come up for you?

We already know that the words of Jesus are full of inspiration and advice on how to live a life with purpose and meaning, anchored in the Living One. When we look at the words from the Aramaic—the language Jesus spoke—even more dimensionality shines forth, almost like a prism that splits white light into its many colors. These additional dimensions tell us about our wholeness, our oneness with the divine, and about the love that can shine through us, illuminating and inspiring our neighbors.

You might be wondering how this version of scripture above emerged so differently from what we read in a standard bible. The roots of many Aramaic words have multiple meanings, inviting us to multiple levels of inference and exploration. In particular, when we approach these readings with a deeper consciousness, we may find these interpretations to be delightful fruit for our prayer life—our intimate walk with Ultimate Reality.

In this experiential presentation, Joy will:

Share how Jesus and his followers used Aramaic in their time.
Lead us in chants using the Aramaic language so we can explore the language’s pure sounds as Jesus (“Yeshua” in Aramaic) would have heard them.
Explore two scripture verses with us in the style of Lectio Divina, with a time for sharing.
Our time together will also include 20 minutes of Centering Prayer.

This experience may inspire you to discover more dimensions within your own being, and provide insight into how we might express the love that Yeshua encourages us to share. This presentation will include a Centering Prayer session.

Recording Note: This event will be recorded. All registrants will receive a copy of the Zoom recording within two weeks of the event.

Times listed are Mountain Time, Denver, Colorado

Click the website link below to learn more and register. Scholarships are available.