Renovaré | Spiritual Formation Articles

Pray Like You’re Going to Die

This brief selection from The Cloud of Unknowing encourages an unexpected means to deeper prayer. As you read, take heed of the author’s advice and allow yourself to pray as if your end comes before the “Amen.”

The Unknown Author

Featured September 19, 2022 (Original Jan 2000 )

Screwtape on Submission

In this excerpt, letter six, Screwtape encourages a counterfeit version of the discipline of submission—resignation “to a dozen different and hypothetical fates.”

C.S. Lewis

Featured September 19, 2022 (Original Jan 1942 )

Building a Bridge between Protestants and Catholics

Trevor Hudson writes about how the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius provide an opportunity for Catholics and Protestants of all stripes to find “common ground” by listening to each other’s experiences of prayer.

Trevor Hudson

September 12, 2022

Loving One Another

As “those whom God has joined,” followers of Christ must love one another and beware of attitudes that breed disunity. These and other exhortations from John Wesley teach us about the loving bonds within the Body of Christ.

John Wesley

Featured September 12, 2022 (Original Jun 2005 )

Daring to Follow the Spirit’s Lead

Richard Foster looks backward as well as forward with prophetic attention to the Spirit’s movement in modern times—a vision that guides and undergirds Renovaré’s efforts to connect, deepen, and renew the people of God.

Richard J. Foster

Featured September 12, 2022 (Original May 2005 )

What I Learned About Expressing My Desires to God In Three Conversations with Dallas Willard

Our heart’s desires—when shaped by the Spirit—lead us into the life that God wants to give us.

Trevor Hudson

September 5, 2022

Movements Produced in the Soul

Ignatius of Loyola explains the terms “consolation” and “desolation” and counsels the reader on how to look beneath the surface of thoughts and feelings to discern the source.

Ignatius of Loyola

Featured September 5, 2022 (Original Jun 2005 )

Empowered by God to Do What We Want

Dallas Willard explains how we come to share God’s desires and join in God’s work.

Dallas Willard

Featured September 5, 2022 (Original Oct 1999 )

The Rich Mullins Book Bootcamp

Carolyn Arends welcomes us to a new year of the Renovaré book club by reflecting on her friendship with Rich Mullins, who turned his favorite books into a rite of passage for his touring companions.

Carolyn Arends

August 29, 2022

How to Start a Prayer Journal

Richard Foster invites us to follow the lead of disciples such as St. Augustine, Julian of Norwich, and Blaise Pascal in the practice of journaling our prayers.