Over the last couple of days I’ve watched and re-watched this short film/poem by the great Irish poet and theologian, Pádraig Ó Tuama. So beautiful, as is most of what he puts out into the world. The poem is titled
This weekend, one of our lectionary readings is a story of encounter, wrestling, and transformation. It’s the story of Jacob’s name being changed to Israel. As you may recall, it is Jacob’s sons for whom the twelve tribes of the
Markus Watson, host of the “Spiritual Life and leadership” Podcast recently interviewed Tom Sine and myself regarding our book, 2020s Foresight: Three Vital Practices for Thriving in a Decade of Accelerating Change. The Podcast will be available December 21st. I
“When I heard about spiritual direction, I felt as if I was seeing an old friend I had never met. Spiritual direction (this new old friend) led me deeper into the love of God. Spiritual direction helped me experience more
The good folks over at Circlewood released interviewed me for their Earthkeepers Podcast. Its Episode 36, “For a Greener Future.” Their site says: In this episode, Forrest talks to the authors of a book called 2020s Foresight: Three Vital Practices for
I’ve been reading, rereading, and listening to others’ reading many of Meister Eckhart’s works over the past year. I have come to sense that reading – especially out loud – is itself a great hermeneutical act. I love hearing other
I’m actively facilitating the online course “Toward a Spirituality of Contextual Listening Amidst COVID19” that I’m teaching through The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology. Part of loving our neighbors is anticipating the changes that may affect them tomorrow. While we
Disturb us, O Lord when we are too well-pleased with ourselves when our dreams have come true because we dreamed too little, because we sailed too close to the shore. Disturb us, O Lord when with the abundance of things
On June 30, 2011 (Thursday) you are welcome to come over to my place and spend the evening with others committed to being formed in the Way of Jesus. Mark Scandrette will be with us, 7:00 pm (bring wine and/or
For the second week out of the last three weeks, I have almost no Internet access. Lynette, Pascal, and I are at a wonderful cabin on Vancouver Island celebrating my parents’ 40th wedding anniversary. It seems like the art of
“To listen a soul into disclosure and discovery is the greatest service one human being can do for another.” Quaker Saying The Celts called it anam cara or soul friend, these days “Life Coaching” has resonance with the practice, yet
“The imagination plays a great role in the spiritual development of the soul.” St. John of the Cross Do you wish to form an intentional relationship with a person who could provide mentoring, companionship, and gentle guidance for you as you
Lynette, Pascal and I invite you to spend a weekend with them our home. Spend time talking and sharing lives, discussing relational ministry and relational church-planting. And spend time with their Christ-commons (Quest). Connecting weekends are a great retreat and stimulus
There have been times throughout Western history when people talked as though the spiritual mattered, and the physical did not. Soul = good; body = bad. The move to holistic viewing of the human person in community seems like a
“Everything in God’s store is on the bottom shelf – you have to get on your knees to get it.” Robert Collier Anyone who has explored contemplative prayer or any other practice of intentional silence knows — or will soon
“I have learned that prayer is not asking for what you think you want but asking to be changed in ways that you can’t imagine.” Kathleen Norris One of the most common changes in developing a rhythm of contemplative prayer
I am weary in almost every way. From disappointing myself, and others, from misrepresenting that which is so important to me; weary of not being enough husband for my partner, father for my son, pastor for my community, colleague for
The spiritual directors who have walked alongside me throughout my life journey are one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. These unique people play a particular role our lives. Within the swath of Christian traditions we generally speak
The other day in a session with a spiritual directee, our conversation led us to explore Divine punctuation. Gracie Allen once said, “Never put a period where God puts a comma.” We seem to endlessly edit God’s text. Maybe God’s
A Daily Prayer by Saint Teresa of Calcutta Dear Jesus, Help us to spread your fragrance everywhere we go. Flood our souls with your spirit and life. Penetrate and possess our whole being so utterly that our lives may only
“Every soul has a will capable of loving God.” St. Francis de Sales Centering Prayer is a practice of prayerful meditation, which prepares us to receive the gift of God’s presence, often referred to as contemplative prayer. It consists of
“He who has eyes sees something in everything.” – Roy Lightenberg My typical rate for spiritual direction is $100.00 per hour. That said I provide a sliding scale if the cost is an issue. Peace, dwight
I just returned from a denominational conference and was shocked by the “us” verses “them” conversation representing the clergy verses the laity. As though “we” clergy (or whatever we are) have an experience of God that we need to lead
A Prayer of Unknowing by Thomas Merton My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really
Meditation, solitude and silence. Great-sounding words, neat concepts, but practical and obtainable? We are bombarded with noise from the moment we wake until we retire at night. Think about it. We wake up to a clock radio blaring, turn the
Prayer is talking with God, it is a dialogue of the soul. But prayer is much more than words. It is an expression of your heart, mind and emotions toward God. It’s an experience, a relationship, not merely an activity.
In your quest to make sense of your life and foster an authentic spirituality you’ve found some resonance with the story of Jesus the Christ. You’re on a journey… a pilgrim. Well, look out because you’re in for the adventure
North American culture is changing. So is church culture(s). Some have suggested that culture is reinventing itself at a faster pace than ever before… while none of us have lived at another time something inside me senses that this may
Part of what I will remember about 2000 was the implosion of Seattle’s Kingdome. Its amazing to me that those things that seem so solid can be gone so quickly. A form of impermanence… I have survived longer than this
