Shownotes

In this replay of episode 12 from season 1, Andrea and Jennifer explore how scripture can help us heal with the help of Catholic author Maureen O’Brien. With her extensive knowledge and reflections she shares in her book, What Was Lost: Seeking Refuge in the Psalms, Maureen shares how the Psalms specifically can help us during times of loss.

Maureen O’Brien is the author of two spiritual memoirs: “Gather the Fragments: My Year of Finding God’s Love” and “What Was Lost: Seeking Refuge in the Psalms”. She is a frequent contributor to St. Anthony Messenger and the online site Pause and Pray. She has also published a novel, “B-mother” (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) and “The Other Cradling”, a chapbook of poems (Finishing Line Press) Her award-winning short stories and poems have been published widely in magazines and anthologies. She holds an M.A in Creative Writing from Trinity College and a B.A. in Philosophy and Religion from Ithaca College. She lives in Connecticut where she’s been teaching for over 30 years.  Her recent books have been deeply inspired by pilgrimages to Italy. The contrasts of life—sunrise and dusk, crying and laughter--never cease to amaze her. 

Links from the Show

• ​Gather the Fragments: My Year of Finding God’s Love
• ​What Was Lost: Seeking Refuge in the Psalms
• ​B-Mother
• ​The Other Cradling
• ​Bible.Ink
• ​You are Near (song Jennifer mentions)
• ​Prayer of Teilhard de Chardin

Scripture

• ​Psalm 119:10 5
• ​Psalm 23
• ​Psalm 139
• ​Psalm 77

Prayer for Maureen’s friend Mary Clare

Journaling Questions

1. ​Is there a particular psalm that you’ve connected with before? 
2. ​Have you experienced any spiritual awakenings? How has your perspective changed since experiencing them?
3. ​What is your connection with God like today? How has it changed?
4. ​When was a time you felt isolated or in the “gap” Maureen mentions (around the 33 minute mark)?
5. ​When has the spirit spoken to you through the psalms? Did you recognize it at the time?
6. ​Is there any part of psalm 139 that you feel drawn more to? Explore that.
7. ​What is your mourning glory?