Holy Rest

A short Christmas devotion and reflection as the year 2020 closes out. Prayers of strength and hope to you in the new year.Thanks to my wife Stephanie for coming on and reading scripture.Scripture used from NIVCredits:Intro song:  Keratine rust and a clear soul By  Alpha Hydrae Outro:  Hlice By  Monplaisir 

Reading the Bible can be a daunting task. 66 books, thousands of pages, and countless stories and messages. If you have ever wondered where to begin or how to pick it back up again, you are not alone. In this episode I explore the spiritual practice Lectio Divina, which means “divine reading.” This practice can help us connect more authentically with scripture and become more open to our heart's response to the Spirit's message.Link to the resource I used for Lectio Divina:https://www.amazon.com/Guidebook-Prayer-Ways-Walk-God/dp/0830835784/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=a+guide+book+to+prayer&qid=1605405261&sr=8-1 Anatomy of the Soul by Curt Thompson:https://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Soul-Connections-Neuroscience-Relationships/dp/141433415X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3AP6M790VX6UT&dchild=1&keywords=curt+thompson+anatomy+of+the+soul&qid=1605646222&sprefix=curt+thomson%2Caps%2C212&sr=8-1  Credits:Intro song:  Keratine rust and a clear soul By  Alpha Hydrae Outro:  Hlice By  Monplaisir  

Sometimes all we need to connect with God is silence. Centering prayer is the practice of surrendering one's thoughts, letting go of all distractions, and allowing God's presence to be known. This is perhaps one of the most well-known contemplative practices within the Christian faith, it is similar to meditation with more of an emphasis on experiencing the love and peace of God. In this episode I explore the richness and nuance of centering prayer and I reflect on how this practice shaped my seminary experience.Link to the resource I used for centering prayer: https://www.amazon.com/Centering-Prayer-Awakening-Cynthia-Bourgeault/dp/1561012629/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3A7OMEB0NO7HV&dchild=1&keywords=centering+prayer+and+inner+awakening+by+cynthia+bourgeault&qid=1603856171&sprefix=centering+prayer%2Caps%2C238&sr=8-1 Credits:Intro song:  Keratine rust and a clear soul By  Alpha Hydrae Outro:  Hlice By  Monplaisir  

An introduction to my new podcast, Holy Rest. My hope is to further understand contemplative practices that seem forgotten in my own life and church experience. Together let's explore new ways to go deeper in our faith so we can discover true holy rest in God. I will be starting with practices from A Guidebook to Prayer and you can find it at this link if you would like to follow along: https://www.amazon.com/Guidebook-Prayer-Ways-Walk-God-ebook/dp/B00G6W5F92/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=a+guidebook+to+prayer&qid=1603428780&sr=8-1   Credits:Intro song:  Keratine rust and a clear soul By  Alpha Hydrae Outro:  Hlice By  Monplaisir  

Creativity can be very therapeutic when going through difficult seasons. It can also be a time of worship as we sit with our Creator. We were intended to be co-creators and stewards with the Trinity in the world. Being creative is a powerful way to recenter ourselves in the hands of the master potter. In this episode I explore different avenues of artistic expression and reflect on how I experience God's presence in the creative process.Link to the resource I used for creative prayer:https://www.amazon.com/Guidebook-Prayer-Ways-Walk-God-ebook/dp/B00G6W5F92/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=a+guidebook+to+prayer&qid=1603428780&sr=8-1   Credits:Intro song:  Keratine rust and a clear soul By  Alpha Hydrae Outro:  Hlice By  Monplaisir