Spiritual Formation Articles

Understanding Submission

Richard Foster joins us to help us understand the discipline of submission. How does Jesus call us to follow him not only to a “cross death” but a “cross life”? How can we only be truly free when we are captives of the Lord? Richard introduces us to February 2018’s spiritual discipline.

Richard J. Foster

February 5, 2018

You Are Important, and We Love You

How did cake become the nearly universal dessert of celebration and consolation? How do people speak love through baking and sharing cake? What was Francis of Assisi’s favorite cake? Is there really an ultimate recipe for coconut cake? Justine Olawsky joins us to reflect on all this and more.

Justine Olawsky

February 2, 2018

The Death and the Dance

A perennial favorite from the vaults: Kai Nilsen tells us the story behind two Renovaré devotional resources—one centered in disciplines of abstinence, and the other centered in disciplines of engagement—designed to guide us as we press into the season of Lent.

Kai Nilsen

February 1, 2018

Our Father...

Today we’re sharing some thoughts from Cyprian on the prayer Jesus taught us to pray. In this excerpt, Cyprian focuses on the unity implied in the address “Our Father …” “When we pray,” he notes, “we pray not for one, but for the whole people, because we the whole people are one.”

Cyprian of Carthage

January 31, 2018

Blind Science Vs. Blind Faith

Dallas Willard joins us for a glimpse into the impasse between “science” and “religion” in academia. He calls for more humility on all sides, and greater openness toward thought and knowledge both on campus and in church. Of course, he does all this with gentleness, in the true Willard way.

Dallas Willard

January 29, 2018

Credo

Jesus prayed that we would be one (John 17). We too often feel like many. But the Apostles’ Creed reminds us of the One to whom we belong, and in remembering these words, we recognize our unity. Thomas Oden helps us to understand why the Creed is such an important part of our faith heritage.

Thomas Oden

January 25, 2018

What is True Devotion?

In the opening chapter to his work, Introduction to the Devout Life, Francis de Sales explores the nature of true devotion. He believes that “devotion is simply a spiritual activity and liveliness by means of which Divine Love works in us,” that allows us to rise up to God with soaring wings.

Francis de Sales

January 24, 2018

Prevail with God

Richard Foster joins us today to offer “a magnificent model” of intercessory prayer from the Exodus 17 story of Moses, Aaron, and Hur. Why is nothing more important than this type of prayer in the “ongoing work of the kingdom of God”? Foster explains in this excerpt from his book on prayer.

Richard J. Foster

January 22, 2018

A Curious Pattern

When teaching moments are presented to Jesus, he often turns the question back on his questioners—not to frustrate them, but to draw them deeper into the heart of what they are really asking about. Carolyn Arends joins us to consider how this pattern can influence our own sharing of the gospel.

Carolyn Arends

January 19, 2018

Apologetics without Apology

How can we be ready to help people understand the hope that is in us, with gentleness and fear (1 Peter 3:15)? Dallas Willard gives the best possible answer: engage in apologetics “in the manner of Jesus”—with patience, love, humility, and a servant’s heart. He shows us how in this article.