Ruah Space
230 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 23 ratingsJoin us as we explore how to make your faith come alive through practicing spiritual disciplines, studying Scripture, and being inspired by others in the "cloud of witnesses."
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Episodes
Richard Foster & Brenda Quinn on Learning Humility
February 16, 2023 12:00 - 46 minutes - 75.5 MBIn this episode, Richard Foster and Brenda Quinn join the podcast to discuss Richard’s new book Learning Humility. Richard Foster is an author of many books on Christian spiritual formation, including Celebration of Discipline, the book that helped launch the entire Ruah Space journey. Richard takes us into the book and the journey of growing in […]
Soul Training with Fr. Albert Haase
September 07, 2022 14:52 - 32 minutes - 52.5 MBIn this episode, Fr. Albert Haase returns to the podcast to discuss his book Soul Training with the Peace Prayer of St. Francis. We discuss this famous prayer of St. Francis, the role of detachment in spiritual formation, and more! A friend of Ruah Space and a listener favorite, Fr. Albert challenges and encourages us […]
Spiritual Formation & The Church Fathers with Luke Wilson
July 06, 2022 10:00 - 49 minutes - 76.6 MBLuke Wilson, author of the book 40 Days with the Fathers: A Journey Through Church History, joins the podcast today to discuss the lives and practices of some of the most formational people in the history of the Church. We talk about some of their lives, including what we know from The Life of Anthony, […]
Revelation Through Old Testament Eyes with Tremper Longman
June 22, 2022 09:55 - 44 minutes - 80.7 MBDr. Tremper Longman returns to the podcast to discuss his new book Revelation Through Old Testament Eyes. Scholar, author, and Professor, Tremper takes us into one of my favorite books of the Bible to discuss how we can best understand it when we see it in light of the Old Testament. Tremper shares how he […]
The Good and Beautiful You with James Bryan Smith
June 08, 2022 09:55 - 40 minutes - 62.8 MBJames Bryan Smith returns to the podcast to discuss his great new book The Good and Beautiful You. The fourth book in the Good and Beautiful series, Jim helps us understand one of the most important aspects of our life and faith: that we are loved, good and beautiful. We discuss the purpose of spiritual […]
The Samaritan Woman’s Story with Caryn Reeder
May 25, 2022 09:48 - 39 minutes - 64.7 MBDr. Caryn Reeder, professor and author, joins Phil to discuss her new book The Samaritan Woman’s Story. This much understood story in John 4 has had a massive impact on the Church and the formation of men and women in the Body of Christ, but not always in helpful ways.Caryn digs into the historical and […]
Art, Contemplation, and Faith with Arthur Aghajanian
May 11, 2022 10:00 - 45 minutes - 69.8 MBArthur Aghajanian, contemplative, essayist, and educator joins the podcast today to discuss Christian contemplation and art! Visual mediums are a beautiful way to explore our relationship with God, to enter into times of prayer and meditation, explore our own story and faith, and feel. Arthur talks art, the place of art in the Church, his […]
The Great Quest with Os Guinness
April 27, 2022 09:59 - 39 minutes - 67 MBAuthor and philosopher Os Guinness joins the podcast to discuss the journey of coming to faith and his new book The Great Quest: Invitation to an Examined Life and a Sure Path to Meaning. We explore the importance of living an examined life, how the questions we ask shape the journey, seeking truth ,and what […]
Exploring Our Calling with Susan Maros
April 14, 2022 13:32 - 48 minutes - 78.8 MBSusan Maros joins Ruah Space to discuss calling and her new book Calling in Context. Susan shares stories from her own life and those she has worked with to reveal what she has learned about our calling as people following the way of Jesus. Susan helps dispel some thoughts around calling that aren’t always helpful, […]
Enjoying the Old Testament with Eric Seibert
March 30, 2022 09:55 - 38 minutes - 60.3 MBMessiah College professor and author Dr. Eric Seibert joins the podcast to share practical ways we can engage the Old Testament and actually enjoy it! His new book “Enjoying the Old Testament: A Creative Guide to Encountering Scripture” is phenomenal, offering tangible and creative ways for anyone to read and understand what the Old Testament […]
Celtic Lent with David Cole (Brother Cassian)
March 16, 2022 10:00 - 44 minutes - 67 MBDavid Cole (Brother Cassian) returns to the podcast to talk Celtic Christianity, Lent, and practices from the Celtic tradition that can guide us through Lent. We explore his book Celtic Lent: 40 Days of Devotions to Easter, prayer rhythms, the desert tradition, the importance of practices, and more. You can find out more about David […]
The Honesty of Lamentations with Kelly Vander Woude
March 02, 2022 11:23 - 41 minutes - 65.6 MBToday I am joined by pastor and author Kelly Vander Woude to discuss Lamentations and Kelly’s book The Honesty of Lamentations. Lament is not something we are usually taught to do well, especially as Christians. The Bible, however, has no problem offering lament to God. There’s a whole book about it! In our conversation and […]
Reconciliation in the Church with Pastor Oscar Banks
February 23, 2022 11:05 - 47 minutes - 77 MBPastor Oscar Banks, senior pastor at Palm Lake Christian Church, joins the podcast to discuss reconciliation in the Church. The Body of Christ is intentionally diverse, but we have not always done very well at loving each other or living in a way that invites everyone to the table. From race and sex to theology […]
God Made All Your Feelings with Amanda Flinn
February 09, 2022 11:00 - 30 minutes - 51.4 MBAuthor Amanda Flinn joins the podcast today to discuss her new book “God Made All Your Feelings.” This is a book I wish I had when I was younger and didn’t know how to listen to or trust my feelings. It taps into something that I have discovered to be absolutely true the past few […]
Christian Meditation, Therapy, and Healing with Dr. Joshua Knabb
February 02, 2022 11:07 - 54 minutes - 85.6 MBIn today’s episode, we are joined by author and professor Dr. Joshua Knabb to discuss his new book Christian Meditation in Clinical Practice. Josh takes us into the amazing connections between our stories, minds, struggles, and Christian spiritual practices. Written for therapists and the rest of us simply trying to work through all of our […]
Picking Up the Yoga Mat with Sally’s Mat (McAteer)
January 26, 2022 11:30 - 40 minutes - 64.7 MBIn today’s episode, I am joined by master yoga instructor Sally McAteer! Also known by here social media username Sally’s Mat, Sally was one of my trainers in YogaFaith and joins the podcast to discuss calling, Christian yoga, yin, and the importance of great story in Scripture where Jesus invites someone he has healed to […]
Jesus in My Practice with Jody Thomae
January 19, 2022 11:00 - 46 minutes - 83.4 MBToday we are joined by author, worship leader, and YogaFaith Director Jody Thomae to discuss her new book Jesus in My Practice: Bringing the Questions of Jesus to My Movement, My Meditation & My Mat. Approaching Jesus as our master teacher, Jody explores the questions Jesus asks in the Gospels and invites us to creatively […]
When Everything’s On Fire with Brian Zahnd
January 12, 2022 11:55 - 46 minutes - 74.7 MBSometimes everything can feel like it’s on fire. Like it’s falling apart. When this happens to our faith, it can be alarming. Questions. Doubts. Issues. Sometimes this fire can be destructive and unhelpful. Simply destroying everything in its path. Sometimes fire can be helpful, however. Fire can refine. Reveal. Clarify. Brian Zahnd, pastor and author, joins the podcast to […]
Examining the Examen with Jeff Campbell
January 05, 2022 11:02 - 45 minutes - 70.7 MBJeff Campbell, author of the new book Examining the Examen, joins the podcast to take us into the well-known Christian practice known as the Ignatian Examen. A contemplative practice based on the ministry of Ignatius of Loyola, this creative practice helps us reflect on our lives in order to better see the movement of God. […]
Becoming Rooted with Randy Woodley
December 29, 2021 11:04 - 51 minutes - 83.5 MBRandy Woodley, activist, scholar, author, teacher, wisdom-keeper, and Cherokee descendant, joins Ruah Space to discuss his new book Becoming Rooted: One Hundred Days of Reconnecting with Sacred Earth. Randy takes us into a better understanding of our interconnectedness with all things, especially the creation, and what this means for our lives and relationships, including our relationship […]
The Contemplative Life with J. Randall Ory – The Construction Monk
December 22, 2021 11:00 - 50 minutes - 77 MBFriend and modern contemplative J Randall Ory joins the podcast to discuss the contemplative life. Jason has been a source of wisdom and encouragement for me, and I am so excited to have the opportunity for him to share his story and journey with you here. We talk about what contemplation is in the Christian […]
The O in Hope with Luci Shaw & Ned Bustard
December 15, 2021 11:12 - 49 minutes - 79.8 MBPoet Luci Shaw and artist/illustrator Ned Bustard join Phil to discuss art, poetry, creativity, and their new children’s book The O in Hope. Luci and Ned share the process of writing this book together, the creative process in general, and how art and creativity intersect with their faith. The O in Hope is a poetic […]
Growing in Wisdom with Tremper Longman
December 08, 2021 11:02 - 42 minutes - 73.7 MBTremper Longman, professor, author, scholar, and more joins the podcast to help us understand and grow in wisdom. Diving into topics such as the fear of the Lord, Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly, Proverbs, and more, we explore exactly what wisdom is as well as some practices that can help us become more wise. From […]
Spiritual Formation for the Global Church with Ryan Brandt & John Frederick
December 01, 2021 11:09 - 54 minutes - 87.6 MBProfessors and authors Ryan Brandt (Grand Canyon University) and John Frederick (Trinity College Queensland) join us today to discuss their new book Spiritual Formation for the Global Church. An insightful and timely book with contributions from diverse members of the Body of Christ, John and Ryan explore the importance of community in spiritual formation, Beatific […]
Christine Paintner on Breath Prayer
November 24, 2021 11:00 - 45 minutes - 69.8 MBChristine Paintner, online Abbess at the Abbey of the Arts, joins us today to discuss her new book Breath Prayer: An Ancient Practice for the Everyday Sacred. Benedictine oblate and author, Christine takes us into the world of breath prayer including what breath prayers are, the unique blessings of incorporating breath prayer into our daily […]
Christine Valters Paintner on Breath Prayer
November 24, 2021 11:00 - 45 minutes - 69.8 MBChristine Valters Paintner, online Abbess at the Abbey of the Arts, joins us today to discuss her new book Breath Prayer: An Ancient Practice for the Everyday Sacred. Benedictine oblate and author, Christine takes us into the world of breath prayer including what breath prayers are, the unique blessings of incorporating breath prayer into our […]
Ashley Hales on A Spacious Life
November 17, 2021 10:50 - 41 minutes - 66.7 MBAuthor and speaker Ashley Hales joins the podcast to discuss her new book A Spacious Life. We explore what keeps our lives small, constricted, and hurried as well as what can open us to accept the invitation to a more spacious life and what such a life looks like. We discuss the invitations God offers […]
Patrick McKeown on Breath & (Re)Learning to Breathe
November 10, 2021 11:15 - 49 minutes - 78.9 MBIn our 200th episode (!?!), author and breathing expert Patrick McKeown joins the podcast to talk about the importance of breath, what happens when we don’t breathe correctly, what proper breathing through the nose is, and guides us in some helpful practices to breathe. Our breath is connected to everything in our lives and learning […]
Andrew Bauman on Stumbling Toward Wholeness
November 03, 2021 10:15 - 42 minutes - 65.6 MBIn this episode, we are joined by Andrew Bauman, author of the book Stumbling Toward Wholeness. In this book and our conversation, Andrew takes us into the Parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15 and shares how all of us have all three of the main characters in this teaching inside of us. […]
Steve Dancause on the Trinity & A Trinitarian Lifestyle
October 27, 2021 10:00 - 49 minutes - 79.2 MBSteve Dancause, pastor and author, joins the podcast to talk all things Trinity! We explore a communal understanding of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and the impact this has on our faith. If God is a community of three persons who are one God, and we are made in this God’s image, this affects […]
Jon Fogel on Job & Breaking the Bible
October 20, 2021 11:00 - 51 minutes - 83.7 MBIn this episode, Pastor Jon Fogel joins the podcast to discuss his recent series on Job and how this book challenges us to rethink much of what we may take for granted in the Bible, life, justice, and theology. We explore wisdom literature, the state of the Church, how Jesus relates to the book of […]
Shane Claiborne on Formation, Justice, and Beating Guns
October 13, 2021 11:00 - 52 minutes - 83 MBIn this episode, Shane Claiborne joins the podcast to discuss spiritual formation in community and the relationship of our relationship with God to justice, particularly the death penalty and gun violence. We explore some of his story from his time in India with Mother Teresa as well as his community in Philadelphia, then dive into […]
David Cole on The Art of Peace – Celtic Christianity & Contemplation in Action
October 06, 2021 10:45 - 43 minutes - 68.9 MBIn this episode, David Cole (Brother Cassian), joins the podcast to discuss Celtic Christianity, navel gazing (yes it can be a good thing!), David’s book The Art of Peace: Life Lessons From Christian Mystics, and contemplation in action. David is an author, the Founder and Director of Waymark Ministries CIC, and a spiritual teacher and […]
James Bryan Smith on Room of Marvels & Spiritual Formation
September 29, 2021 11:30 - 39 minutes - 66.6 MBJames Bryan Smith joins the podcast to discuss Room of Marvels, his fiction book exploring grief and heaven, as well as spiritual formation. We dive into his experience writing the book, which came from a prayer practice over a period of time, and the importance of knowing the end of our story. Jim shares about […]
Eric Elnes on 4 Bows Meditation
September 22, 2021 12:00 - 47 minutes - 85.3 MBIn this episode, author and pastor Eric Elnes joins Phil to discuss Christian meditation and spiritual formation practices, specifically the practice of 4 Bows Meditation. We discuss Christian meditation, his experience with spiritual disciplines, as well as the creation of the beautiful practice known as of 4 Bows Meditation. After the discussion, Eric leads us […]
Terry Wildman on The First Nations Bible, Listening, and Unity.
September 15, 2021 10:30 - 46 minutes - 80.4 MBTerry Wildman, lead translator of the First Nations Version of the Bible joins the podcast to discuss this new translation of the Bible, some of the beautiful language used in the translation, the Lord’s Prayer, his own story of coming to faith, and offers challenge and encouragement to the church and followers of Jesus for […]
An Open & Relational God with Thomas Jay Oord
September 08, 2021 10:00 - 38 minutes - 61.2 MBIn this episode, Phil is joined by Thomas Jay Oord to discuss Open and Relational Theology. Tom is a theologian, philosopher, scholar, author, and professor. His book on Open and Relational theology challenged me and offered a unique and helpful perspective on issues such as suffering, prayer, the future, and our call to join God […]
Winn Collier on Eugene Peterson & A Burning in My Bones
September 01, 2021 11:18 - 41 minutes - 63.8 MBWinn Collier, Professor and Author of A Burning in My Bones, joins the podcast to discuss the life and impact of Eugene Peterson. I absolutely love biographies, and this is one of my favorites. Eugene Peterson was the translator of The Message Bible and many other books that have impacted the lives of countless men […]
Psalm 23 Breath Prayer
August 25, 2021 11:30 - 17 minutes - 33.5 MBThis breath prayer practice with Psalm 23 is from our “Experiencing Psalm 23” series on Patreon. In this series, we want to help you experience the truths, challenges, and encouragement in Psalm 23 in your everyday life. Having knowledge is one thing, but we want you to know this psalm to be true in your […]
Listening to Our Anger and Other Emotions as a Guide
August 18, 2021 11:00 - 17 minutes - 34 MBWhat if anger and other deep emotions aren’t meant to be avoided or shoved down, but are invitations to a deeper place and can help us understand something of the heart of God? In this episode, I explore those feelings that happen in us automatically in the context of Mark 3 where Jesus gets angry. […]
The Word on the Street – An Intercultural Conversation with Dr. Ron Ruthruff
August 11, 2021 11:00 - 78.7 MBIn this episode, I am joined by Dr. Ron Ruthruff, Associate Professor at the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, author, and faith leader. Ron was an important part of my development as a follower of Christ, helping me ask important questions and dig into my story in relation to racism and intercultural relationships. In […]
The Way & The Ninefold Path of Jesus with Mark Scandrette
August 04, 2021 11:34 - 45 minutes - 74.8 MBIn this episode, I am joined by Mark Scandrette- author, teacher, speaker, leader and more. Mark’s work has deeply impacted my formation as a follower of Jesus for more than a decade and I guarantee it can do the same for you. In this episode, we explore some of his work around actually living out […]
Sign of the Cross – Heart on Fire Sneak Peak
July 28, 2021 10:33 - 14 minutes - 24 MBToday, Phil teaches and guides the prayer form known as the Sign of the Cross. Many of us have either never been taught this physical act of prayer or grew up with it but stopped doing it somewhere along the way. A beautiful way to enter into prayer, the Sign of the Cross invites our […]
Who is Your Neighbor? – A Patreon Sermon
July 21, 2021 12:41 - 16 minutes - 31.5 MBIn today’s episode, we share the audio from a sermon Phil gave on Patreon. Exploring the Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10, Phil asks the question that Jesus was asked, “Who is my neighbor?” A simple question from a well-known parable, Jesus teaches us that everyone is our neighbor, including our enemies. In […]
The Path of the Holy Fool with Dr. Lauren Artress
July 14, 2021 11:30 - 41 minutes - 73.2 MBIn this episode, Dr. Lauren Artress returns to the podcast to explore her new book The Path of the Holy Fool: How the Labyrinth Ignites Our Visionary Powers. In this discussion, we explore the imagination, the archetype of the Holy Fool, the invitation of the labyrinth and other spiritual practices in getting to know our […]
What It’s Like to Rest – The Journey Part 7
July 07, 2021 10:30 - 22 minutes - 43.4 MBIn this episode, we explore what it has been like to rest as we transition in our journey to a new place, career, and community. We share what has surprised us, what it has meant to gain a new perspective on what we are passionate about, what comes up in our story and body as […]
When the Plan Doesn’t Go as Planned – The Journey Part 6
June 30, 2021 10:39 - 23 minutes - 38.2 MBIn this episode, we explore what happens when we feel called by God, or have a clear direction, but things don’t work out or everything seems to be going wrong. Sharing our own experience with this recently and digging into a little of what the Bible has to say about suffering and life not going […]
Entering The Unknown – When Things Go Wrong or People Don’t Understand – The Journey Part 5
June 23, 2021 10:25 - 21 minutes - 40.5 MBIn this episode, we share our experience of journeying into the unknown, following the invitation of God even when it wasn’t necessarily the most logical or clear path, but was clearly the path God was laying before us. On such a journey, things often go wrong and people in our lives don’t always understand. When […]
Listen to Your Story – Discernment – The Journey Part 4
June 16, 2021 10:25 - 21 minutes - 41.6 MBIn this episode, we continue to explore our journey following Jesus into the unknown and our recent major move and life changes. We discuss more of our process of discernment, one of the most important aspects being listening to our own story, listening to our past, present, and where God is inviting us into the […]
Jesus & John Wayne – Exploring Evangelicalism, Formation, and Culture with Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez
June 09, 2021 10:30 - 45 minutes - 76.4 MBIn this episode, Phil is joined by Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez, Calvin University Professor and author of the phenomenal book Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation. They explore the book, discussing the formation of modern American evangelicalism, how we are shaped as Christians in America, how […]