The Reservoir
A 15-Month Weekday Devotional for Individuals and Groups
by Christopher A. Hall , Carolyn Arends , Brian Morykon , The Renovaré Team
“If then you are wise, you will show yourself rather as a reservoir than as a canal. A canal spreads abroad water as it receives it, and a reservoir waits until it is filled before overflowing, and thus without loss to itself communicates its superabundant water. In the Church at the present day we have many canals but few reservoirs.” —Bernard of Clairvaux
Originally commissioned by Food for the Hungry to spiritually nourish staff members serving on the front lines of international relief work, The Reservoir is an accessible weekday devotional for renewal and growth in Jesus. Written by Renovaré team members including Chris Hall and Carolyn Arends, it first covers foundational questions—What is spiritual formation? What is my picture of God? What is my picture of myself?—then dives into the six great Christian traditions outlined by Richard Foster’s book Streams of Living Water.
Each entry contains a quote, thought, Scripture passage, and questions for reflection or discussion to help you “live in the overflow” and become a reservoir rather than a canal.
Your purchase helps further the work of two nonprofit organizations. All proceeds from the print version are donated to Renovaré, and proceeds from the digital version are split between Renovaré and Food for the Hungry.
Endorsements
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The Reservoir encouraged our staff in the US and around the world. They found the material practical and helpful.
Joyce Quon, Staff Care Manager for Food for the Hungry
Christopher A. Hall
Christopher A. Hall served as president of Renovaré from 2015 – 2022. Previously Chris was Director of Academic Spiritual Formation and Distinguished Professor of Theology at Eastern University. Chris is the author of a number of books, including The Mystery of God (with Steven D. Boyer; Baker Academic), The Trinity (with Roger Olson; Eerdmans), and Living Wisely with the Church Fathers (Intervarsity Press). His most recent book is A Different Way (HarperOne). Chris and his wife Debbie reside in Philadelphia. They have three grown children and three grandchildren.
Carolyn Arends
Carolyn Arends oversees the Renovaré Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation as well as several other Renovaré initiatives, including the Book Club. She is also a recording artist, speaker, author, and college instructor. She lives near Vancouver, BC, with her husband Mark and their two children.
Brian Morykon
Brian Morykon is Director of Communications and Special Projects at Renovaré, where he uses words, design, and technology to help connect people with Jesus and one another. He studied Spiritual Formation and Leadership at Spring Arbor University. Also a singer-songwriter, Brian has two albums and has led worship at churches across the denominational spectrum. He and his wife Joy live in Lynchburg, Virginia, and have three children. Hear his music at morykon.com.
2019, Renovaré