Welcome to the Words of Hope Podcast - Week Day devotions from the diverse voices of Cathedral of Hope. The Words of Hope Podcast and the Cathedral of Hope Daily Devotions are a ministry of Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ. The mission of Cathedral of Hope is to reclaim Christianity as a faith of extravagant grace, radical inclusion and relentless compassion by being a people of hope --- proclaiming God’s inclusive love, removing barriers to faith and empowering all to grow in grace toward wholeness. To support this ministry, please subscribe to and share this podcast, follow us on social media, and donate through our website at www.cathedralofhope.com/give.
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Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Friday, September 04, 2026 was written by Thomas Riggs and is narrated by Michael Benham. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Isaiah 58:7Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Thursday, September 03, 2026 was written by Charlie Rose and is narrated by Larry Carter. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Isaiah 58:11The Lord will guide you always; God will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Wednesday, September 02, 2026 was written by Hardy Haberman and is narrated by Michael Benham. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Exodus 7:14-16Then the Lord said to Moses, “Pharaoh's heart is hardened; he refuses to let the people go. Go to Pharaoh in the morning, as he is going out to the water; stand by at the bank of the Nile to meet him, and take in your hand the staff that was turned into a snake. Say to him, ‘The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, sent me to you to say, “Let my people go, so that they may serve me in the wilderness.” But until now you have not listened. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Tuesday, September 01, 2026 was written by Dan Peeler and is narrated by Larry Carter. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Psalm 83.2-4See how your enemies growl, how your foes rear their heads.With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish.“Come,” they say, “let us destroy them as a nation…” Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Monday, August 31, 2026 was written by Rev Dr. Neil G Thomas and is narrated by Johnny Engelke. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Exodus 4:10“I have never been eloquent. I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Friday, August 28, 2026 was written by Rev. Dr. Gary Kindley, LPC and is narrated by Michael Benham. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Proverbs 14:5:A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Thursday, August 27, 2026 was written by Dr. Pat Saxon and is narrated by Judith Anderson. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Proverbs 3:3Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Wednesday, August 26, 2026 was written by David Sims and is narrated by Adam Carter. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Matthew 26:6-13While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.” Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Tuesday, August 25, 2026 was written by Kris Baker and is narrated by Larry Carter. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Galatians 6:9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Monday, August 24, 2026 was written by Thomas Riggs and is narrated by Larry Carter. Today's Words of Inspiration come from 2 Corinthians 5:16-19So, from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Friday, August 21, 2026 was written by Donald (Luke) Day and is narrated by Adam Carter. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Isaiah 30.18-19 Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you and therefore will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for the Lord! People of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious God will be when you cry for help! As soon as God hears, God will answer you. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Thursday, August 20, 2026 was written by Logan Alexander Johnson and is narrated by Judith Anderson. Today's Words of Inspiration come from 1 Corinthians 6: 1-4And how dare you take each other to court! When you think you have been wronged, does it make any sense to go before a court that knows nothing of God's ways instead of a family of Christians? The day is coming when the world is going to stand before a jury made up of followers of Jesus. If someday you are going to rule on the world's fate, wouldn't it be a good idea to practice on some of these smaller cases? Why, we're even going to judge angels! So why not these everyday affairs? As these disagreements and wrongs surface, why would you ever entrust them to the judgment of people you don't trust in any other way? Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Wednesday, August 19, 2026 was written by Hardy Haberman and is narrated by Terri Akkerman. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Genesis 49:8-12Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father's sons shall bow down before you.Judah is a lion's whelp; from the prey, my son, you have gone up.He crouches down, he stretches out like a lion, like a lioness—who dares rouse him up?The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet,until tribute comes to him,[b] and the obedience of the peoples is his.Binding his foal to the vine and his donkey's colt to the choice vine,he washes his garments in wine and his robe in the blood of grapes;his eyes are darker than wine and his teeth whiter than milk. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Tuesday, August 18, 2026 was written by Reed Kirkman and is narrated by Johnny Engelke. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Romans 11:13-29 (The Inclusive Bible) “Now I speak to all who have been welcomed into God's wide embrace.” Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Monday, August 17, 2026 was written by Dan Peeler and is narrated by Michael Benham. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Job 12:7-10But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Friday, August 14, 2026 was written by Weber Baker and is narrated by Michael Benham. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Dietrich Bonhoeffer:“The blessedness of waiting is lost on those who cannot wait, and the fulfillment of promise is never theirs. They want quick answers to the deepest questions of life and miss the value of those times of anxious waiting, seeking with patient uncertainties until the answers come. They lose the moment when the answers are revealed in dazzling clarity.” Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Thursday, August 13, 2026 was written by Dr. Pat Saxon and is narrated by Johnny Engelke. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Psalm 139: 8If I descend to the depths of Sheol, you are there. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Wednesday, August 12, 2026 was written by Donald (Luke) Day and is narrated by Judith Anderson. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Prayer attributed to St. Francis:"Lord, make us an instrument of your peace..." Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Tuesday, August 11, 2026 was written by Kris Baker and is narrated by Terri Akkerman. Today's Words of Inspiration come from -James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Monday, August 10, 2026 was written by Jan Nunn and is narrated by Judith Anderson. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Psalm 9:1I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart: I will recount all your wonderful deeds. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Friday, August 07, 2026 was written by Charlie Rose and is narrated by Michael Benham.Today's Words of Inspiration come from Isaiah 43:19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Wednesday, August 05, 2026 was written by Hardy Haberman and is narrated by Larry Carter Today's Words of Inspiration come from Matthew 15: 33-38The disciples said to him, “Where are we to get enough bread in the desert to feed so great a crowd?” Jesus asked them, “How many loaves have you?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” Then ordering the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish, and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all of them ate and were filled, and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. Those who had eaten were four thousand men, besides women and children. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Tuesday, August 04, 2026 was written by Dan Peeler and is narrated by Johnny Engelke.Today's Words of Inspiration come from Acts 2.44-47 All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Thursday, August 06, 2026 was written by Carole Anne Sarah and is narrated by Larry Carter . Today's Words of Inspiration come from Psalm 63:1,3-4O God, you are my God, I seek you, my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water... Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Monday, August 03, 2026 was written by David Sims and is narrated by Terri Akkerman. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Matthew 14:16-21Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass; and taking the five loaves and the two fish. He looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Friday, July 31, 2026 was written by Rev Dr. Neil G Thomas and is narrated by Johnny Engelke. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Romans 9:6 It is not as though the word of God had failed. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Thursday, July 30, 2026 was written by Logan Alexander Johnson and is narrated by Judith Anderson. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Philippians 4:10-13How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn't have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Wednesday, July 29, 2026 was written by Dan Peeler and is narrated by Adrian White. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Mark 4.30-34[Jesus] said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.” Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Tuesday, July 28, 2026 was written by Reed Kirkman and is narrated by Adam CarterToday's Words of Inspiration come from Ephesians 6:10–18, The Inclusive BibleFinally, draw your strength from God, and from God's powerful strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand firm against the tactics of the devil. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Monday, July 27, 2026 was written by Dan Peelerand is narrated by Logan Johnson. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Ephesians 6.13-17 Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness… With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Friday, July 24, 2026 was written by Donna Jackson and is narrated by Johnny Engelke. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Proverbs 4: 25-26 Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Watch the path of your feet and all your ways will be established. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Thursday, July 23, 2026 was written by Dr. Pat Saxon and is narrated by Judith Anderson. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Luke 10:29And who is my neighbor? Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Wednesday, July 22, 2026 was written by Donald (Luke) Day and is narrated by Gordon Markley. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Psalm 139:7-10Where can I go from Your Spirit?Or where can I flee from Your presence?If I ascend to heaven, You are there;If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.If I take the wings of the dawn,If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Tuesday, July 21, 2026 was written by Jonathon McClellan and is narrated by Adam Carter. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Romans 8. 38-39For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Monday, July 20, 2026 was written by Thomas Riggs and is narrated by Adrian White. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Hebrews 13:1-2Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.Our second reading is form Valarie Kaur: Radical hospitality is not just about inviting people into our spaces; it's about allowing ourselves to be transformed by the people we welcome Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Friday, July 17, 2026 was written by Rev. Dr. Gary Kindley, LPC and is narrated by Gordon Markley. Today's Words of Inspiration come from The words of Jesus as recorded in The Gospel According to Matthew 6:34 So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Thursday, July 16, 2026 was written by Dan Peeler and is narrated by Judith Anderson. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Genesis 3:1Now the serpent was craftier than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, 'Did God really say, “You must not eat from any tree in the garden”? Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Wednesday, July 15, 2026 was written by Hardy Haberman and is narrated by Johnny Engelke. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Matthew 13:10-13Then the disciples came and asked him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” He answered, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance, but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. The reason I speak to them in parables is that ‘seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand.' Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Tuesday, July 14, 2026 was written by Kris Baker and is narrated by Adam Carter. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Philippians 3:12-14 from The MessageI'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Monday, July 13, 2026 was written by Charlie Rose and is narrated by Adrian White. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Psalm 121.2My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Friday, July 10, 2026 was written by Weber Baker and is narrated by Michael Benham. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Dietrich Bonhoeffer: The first service one owes to others in a community involves listening to them. Just as our love for God begins with listening to God's Word, the beginning of love for others is learning to listen to them. God's love for us is shown by the fact that God not only gives God's Word but also lends us God's ear. . . . We do God's work for our brothers and sisters when we learn to listen to them." Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Thursday, July 09, 2026 was written by Dr. Pat Saxon and is narrated by Adam Carter. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Isaiah 40:31But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Wednesday, July 08, 2026 was written by Jonathon McClellan and is narrated by Angela Whorton. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Job 38.4-7 Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand.Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it?On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Tuesday, July 07, 2026 was written by Donald (Luke) Day and is narrated by Johnny Engelke. Today's Words of Inspiration come from I John 1:5This is the message we have heard and proclaim to you, that God is light and in God there is no darkness. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Monday, July 06, 2026 was written by Jan Nunn and is narrated by Johnny Engelke.Today's Words of Inspiration come from Psalm 19:1 The Heavens are declaring the glory of God, and their expanse shows the work of God's hands Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Friday, July 03, 2026 was written by Charlie Rose and is narrated by Larry Carter. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Luke 15.16But Jesus would often go away from the crowd to pray in quiet places. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Thursday, July 02, 2026 was written by Carole Anne Sarah and is narrated by Johnny Engelke.Today's Words of Inspiration come from Psalm 94:18–19 When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Wednesday, July 01, 2026 was written by Hardy Haberman and is narrated by Angela Whorton. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Isaiah 51:1-3Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the Lord.Look to the rock from which you were hewn and to the quarry from which you were dug.Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah, who bore you,for he was but one when I called him, but I blessed him and made him many.For the Lord will comfort Zion; he will comfort all her waste placesand will make her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the Lord;joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe devotion for today, Tuesday, June 30, 2026 was written by David Sims and is narrated by Adam Carter. Today's Words of Inspiration come from 1 Samuel 16:7The Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. Support the show