Spiritual Formation Articles

Bearing the Image of God

We learn in Genesis 1:26 that we are made in the image of God. But, what does that mean? And how can diving into this idea of imago Dei help us go deeper into this unfolding Mystery of God? Chris Hall explores the various understandings of what it means to bear the image of the Trinitarian God.

Chris Hall

February 4, 2021

How to Pray While Drowning In Doubt

Without pretense or platitudes, Tish Harrison Warren lights the candle of nighttime prayer to help us find a path forward in the darkness of doubt and grief.

Tish Harrison Warren

January 29, 2021

Monk, Samurai, and the Christian Life

Ken Shigematsu’s discovered his ancestors were Japanese samurai who lived by bushido, a code of honor with surprising parallels to St. Benedict’s Rule. Modern Christians can learn much from both samurai and monk.

Ken Shigematsu

January 15, 2021

We Live by Rhythms

Patterns, structures, traditions, and rituals make up our daily rhythms. What if we could learn to shape these rhythms to make us more aware of the Holy Spirit, more intentional in our apprenticeship to Christ? Chris Webb gives the whys for crafting a Rule of Life in this helpful introduction.

Chris Webb

January 14, 2021

On the Imitation of Christ

De imitatione Christi is our highest aspiration as believers. Richard Foster offers personal anecdote, scriptural insight, and praxis in this reflection on imitating Christ.

Richard J. Foster

January 8, 2021

Imprinting with God

“The lifelong dynamic of baptism as a lifestyle is what makes it endlessly meaningful,” writes pastor and author Eric Peterson. He expands our thinking of this sacrament from a one-time event to a way of living in Jesus.

Eric E. Peterson

December 28, 2020

The Humble and Messy Arrival of God

Did the shepherds stop to wonder why the Messiah was born in a stable attended by animals? Someday we can ask them. For now, we notice, with help from this meditation by Miriam Dixon and Margaret Campbell.

Miriam Dixon & Margaret Campbell

December 22, 2020

Finding God at the End of Our Rope

Dallas Willard was right, says Lacy Borgo, “God’s address is at the end of our rope.” To stay centered and connected in seasons of struggle, she invites us to pray the Psalms and to play as a “stubborn act of hope.”

Lacy Finn Borgo

December 16, 2020

Redeeming All Brokenness

“Advent is not a time to declare,” says Madeleine L’Engle, “but to listen to whatever God may want to tell us through the singing of the stars, the quickening of a baby, the gallantry of a dying man.”

Madeleine L'Engle

December 11, 2020

When Plans Get Interrupted

God radically rearranged Joseph’s planned future with Mary. Rather than resist, Joseph believed and obeyed. Miriam Dixon and Margaret Campbell help us gain a fresh perspective on the often overlooked sacrifices of the famous carpenter.