Watch and listen on YouTube or simply listen to the audio podcast. To share this prayer meditation, copy the Share link below.

Introduction by Fr. Michael

Welcome to the Fourth Week of Easter in our Season of Joy series.

So often, when we begin to pray, our first instinct is to turn inward—to bring before God our own needs, our struggles, our hopes. There is nothing wrong with this. It is natural. It is human. And God welcomes it.

Today, Lauren invites us to stretch our prayer even further.

Rooted in the promise of the Book of Isaiah (57:18–19), we are invited to intercede for those beyond our immediate circle—those we may never meet, yet whose suffering calls forth our compassion. Our prayer becomes wider, more generous, more like the heart of Christ.

This is the grace of the Fourth Week of Easter:
To lay down our burdens and take on the yoke of Christ.
To live in the intimacy of His friendship.
To carry others in love through prayer.

As you enter these meditations, allow your prayer to unfold…
from surrender,
to friendship,
to intercession.

And in that unfolding, may you discover the deep and abiding joy of the Risen Christ!

2nd Meditation by Lauren Hackman-Brooks
Healing Those We Don't Know | Isaiah 57:18b-19

Click YouTube to watch, or Podcast to simply listen.

Lauren Hackman-Brooks is a listener, writer and facilitator steeped in Ignatian spirituality. She appreciates snow-covered pine trees, a house full of people she loves, and a well-formatted document. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Lauren lives in Spokane, Washington with her family and works for the Jesuit Schools Network of North America.

Email Preferences

If you would like to opt-out of the Easter audio series of guided healing prayers, please click here.