Lectio Divina: Recent Episodes
None
Benet Hill Monastery, Black Forest, Colorado
while on a personal retreat
Hello there listener!
I’m closing down my Lectio Divina (when in doubt) Podcast site on WordPress this week. But I’m in the process of moving all of my lectio sessions to my main website, headwatersofhope.org (under the Media tab) so you can continue to listen to any you choose from there. It has given me much joy to create these, starting way back in 2008. I hope they will continue to provide nourishment for folks in the days to come. Let me hear from you!
Adventure On!
Todd
The Big House at Zuni Ranch###### Coming in October!The Goodness of Chosen SolitudeA Headwaters Retreat Day About Creating Your Personal RetreatSaturday, October 26th, 2024Zuni Ranch (North of Woodland Park, CO)9am-4pm$75 per person (with other packages available as well)
For details and to register see here: Retreat Day
Hello Listener,
I just want to share my website where you can see all of the things I am up to these days: https://www.headwatersofhope.org. I continue my coaching training with iPEC, continue to love meeting with directees, both long-time and new, in spiritual direction and offering personal and group spiritual retreats for folks thirsty for rest and liminal space with God. I hope you will visit my website! And let me know how I may be of service for you or your community.
I’m still discerning whether or how I might continue to offer Lectio Divina (when in doubt). Don’t forget, there are hundreds of episodes in my Archives available for you.
Adventure On. It’s All Holy on the Way.
Todd
https://www.headwatersofhope.org
Hello there!
I have launched out into new and exciting work as a Leadership Coach, adding it to my work as a Spiritual Director and Retreat Leader through Headwatersofhope.org and Anamcara.com. My training as a coach began recently with the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) and I love it! I am already accepting clients. This being the case, I will only occasionally be adding lectio divina episodes here on this site. But, remember, there are hundreds of episodes in my Archives here. All you have to do is search for them in the search field on the main page. Don’t be a stranger! Reach out to me anytime. Especially if you are looking for a spiritual director, coach or retreat leader.
Stay Curious!
And Deepest Peace,
Todd
Sangre de Cristo Mountains near Howard, ColoradoI will be back soon to provide my next Lectio. Meanwhile, the mountains are speaking their wordless beauty…
Photo by Travis Rupert: https://www.pexels.com/photo/scenic-view-of-ocean-during-sunset-1032650/ Music: Sanctuary* by Akira Kosemura *
*used with permission
Photo by Ugur Tandogan: https://www.pexels.com/photo/orange-leaves-on-branch-10014804/ Music: Cath and Thomas* by Akira Kosemura from the soundtrack album, Rudy, 2023. *
*used with permission
Photo by Jess Loiterton: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cityscape-with-rocky-mountain-and-rainbow-4784248/Song: Make Your Home in Me* by Stephen Iverson *
*used with permission
Photo by Jeremy Levin: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-metal-steep-ladder-106788/ Music: Passing By* by Akira Kosemura from the album, 88 Keys *
*used with permission
Photo: Wildflowers for the Wedding Altar by Todd Spencer *Song: Suscipe (Receive) by Peter Johns from the album, A Discerning Heart *
*used with permission
Always We Begin Again *by Peter Johns Always we begin again, every moment new, Giving back the good we have received from You. Waking up with grateful hearts, as we greet the day. All creation sings with us a song of praise. We will arise and seek the common goodand welcome all in love.Offering graceContinue reading "Matthew 14:13-21 for Sunday, August 6, 2023"
Friends, feel free to search my Archives for your Lectio Divina prayer support. There are hundreds of episodes available. Fresh ones from me are coming soon! Deep Peace, Todd
Photo by Andrew Schwark: https://www.pexels.com/photo/portrait-of-blindfolded-man-12399636/ *Song: Christ as a Light (Prayer of St. Patrick) by Northumbria Community *
*used with permission
Photo by Hinrich Oltmanns: https://www.pexels.com/photo/blue-and-red-body-of-water-357135/ Song: Love Like a Waterfall by Peter Johns
(Album: A Discerning Heart)
*used with permission
Photo by Guduru Ajay bhargav: https://www.pexels.com/photo/boy-wearing-green-crew-neck-shirt-jumping-from-black-stone-on-seashore-939702/ Music: Time* by Francesco Nigri *
*used with permission
Photo by Tomas Anunziata: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-standing-on-brown-rock-formation-near-body-of-water-3876394/ Song: Drawing Me Closer* by Stephen Iverson *
*used with permission
Photo by Tetyana Kovyrina: https://www.pexels.com/photo/blue-smoke-wallpaper-937980/ Song: In the Shadow of Your Wings by The Northumbria Community
(https://www.northumbriacommunity.org)
*used with permission
Photo by Karolina Grabowska: https://www.pexels.com/photo/delicate-growing-plants-being-watered-4207905/ Song: Christ is a Light (Prayer of St. Francis) by The Northumbria Community
(https://www.northumbriacommunity.org)
*used with permission
Photo by Harry Cooke: https://www.pexels.com/photo/rose-with-bud-and-leaves-under-cloudy-sky-6194936/ Music: Time* by Francesco NIgri *
*used with permission
Photo by Ron Graham-Becker: https://www.pexels.com/photo/pikes-peak-and-garden-of-the-gods-12345170/ Song: One Thing I Have Asked of the Lord by the Northumbria Community
(https://www.northumbriacommunity.org)
*used with permission
Difficult stuff on this end going on for my family and I. Hope to get back to the podcast soon. Peace be with you always. ~Todd
Photo by NEOSiAM 2021: https://www.pexels.com/photo/colorful-transparent-texture-of-natural-background-4498792/ Song: Always We Begin Again* by Peter Johns *
*used with permission
Photo by Stefan Stefancik from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/silhouette-of-man-standing-on-mountain-during-night-42148/ Song: Alleluia* by Stephen Iverson *
*used with permission
Photo: Shadowdog During Advent Devotion by Todd Spencer Song: Alabaster* by Trace Bundy *
*used with permission
Photo by James Wheeler: https://www.pexels.com/photo/pine-trees-under-starry-night-sky-1539225/ *
Song: Light that Finds Me by Stephen Iverson *
*used with permission
Photo by Burak The Weekender: https://www.pexels.com/photo/aerial-photography-of-autumn-trees-in-the-forest-13909627/ *
Sorry, friends. I’ve been sick since Sunday. Coughing lots which wouldn’t be very conducive to meditation and prayer. Hopefully, I’ll be back next week. Peace be with you.Todd
Away this week for my niece’s wedding. I encourage you to find one of the many hundreds of episodes in my archives for your meditation and prayer this week! God’s Peace, Todd
I am out of town this week. Please enjoy one of the hundreds of lectios in my archives by using the Search field on my website. Be well!
I’m away again (taking my youngest to college). I encourage you to tap into the archives of hundreds of lectios available by way of the search field on my site. Have a nice week! And Peace.
Join me this week using this replay episode from 2015! Here’s the site:https://lectiodivinatodd.com/2015/07/01/mark-61-13-for-sunday-july-5-2015/
I am away for a while. I encourage you to use the Search function on my website to find one or more Lectios for your meditation and prayer enjoyment. There are hundreds of them to choose from! Be well and deepest peace. ~Todd
Enjoy this re-cast of the reading of this week’s text I recorded a few years ago. And Merry Christmas! ~ Toddhttps://lectiodivinatodd.com/2014/12/22/luke-222-40-for-sunday-december-28-2014/
Here’s a link to this week’s episode, which is a recording of our lectionary text from Advent, 2014. Peace! Click here
Song: All Creatures of Our God and King, written by Saint Francis of Assisi, sung by Todd A. Spencer used with permission
Music: Atonement by Trinity Music(https://www.atltrinityworship.org/trinity-music) used with permission
Photo by Simon Matzinger from Pexels Music: Cello Improvisation by Eugene Friesen (paulwinter.com) *used with permission
Photo: Yellow Flame, by Skully MBa from Pexels Music: Hallelujah, Help Us Pray by Ryan Reardon and Trinity Music *used with permission
Photo by Kaique Rocha from Pexels Music: Make Your Home in Me by Stephen Iverson (http://www.sleepyhollowchurch.org/wp/stephen-iverson-2/) *used with permission
Photo: Trace Bundy on stage at TEDx Boulder (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wqz9dJaKeDc) Music: Lullaby on Three by Trace Bundy (tracebundy.com) used with permission
Photo: Pikes Peak Through the Trees, taken by Todd Spencer Music: Canyon Chaconne by Paul Winter (paulwinter.com) used with permission
- This reading comes from Rubem Alves’ book, Tender Returns. I read this with the expressed permission from the translator of the book, Glenn Alan Cheney. I am grateful for the honor!
Music: Drawing Me Closer by Stephen Iverson (http://www.sleepyhollowchurch.org/wp/stephen-iverson-2/) used with permission
Music: A Sound Arises by Stephen Iverson (http://www.sleepyhollowchurch.org/wp/stephen-iverson-2/) used with permission
Photo: Surprising Grace in a Park, taken by Todd Spencer, April 2020. Music: Be Still My Soul, Trinity Music (https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/trinitymusic6) used with permission
Photo: It Is Well With My Soul Park Bench, taken by Todd Spencer, Rampart Park, Colorado Springs Music: My Father’s Smile by Jeff Holmes, on Paul Winter’s 23rd Annual Summer Solstice album used with permission
Photo: A Prayer for a Pandemic by Cameron Bellm (http://krugthethinker.com) Music: Agnus Dei sung by Jen Reardon with Trinity Music(https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/trinitymusic6) *used with permission
Photo: Pikes Peak Sunset, taken by Todd Spencer Music: Air for Keetu by Paul Winter used with permission
Friends, I’m away for Board of Ordained Ministry business all week. Please help yourself to my archives and find one or two lectios to assist your meditation and prayer. I’ll be back soon. Deepest Peace, Todd
https://lectiodivinatodd.com/2017/03/06/john-31-17-for-sunday-march-2017/ Artwork: Waiting for the Wind by Jan Richardson(janrichardsonimages.com) Music: The Time Has Come by Stephen Iverson (https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/StephenIverson) *used with permission
Another one from my archives for this week’s text. Enjoy! https://lectiodivinatodd.com/2017/02/27/matthew-41-11-for-sunday-march-5-2017/ Peace with You, Todd
For this week’s Lectio on Matthew 17:1-9, drop by here: https://lectiodivinatodd.com/2017/02/21/matthew-171-9-for-sunday-february-26-2017/ Deepest Peace, Todd
Here is one from the archives! Enjoy! https://lectiodivinatodd.com/?s=Matthew+5%3A21-37&submit=Search
Photo: Prayer Candle in Todd’s Office Music: Ead’s Alpine Experience by Trace Bundy (tracebundy.com) used with permission
Artwork: Flight of Knowledge by Mary DeLave (marydelave.com) Music: Be Still and Know by Trinity Music (https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/trinitymusic6) used with permission
Photo: HospitALLity by Martha McIver, recently displayed at St. Gertude’s Monastery, Idaho. Music: My Feeling Heart by Stephen Iverson (https://store.cdbaby.com/artist/StephenIverson) used with permission
Photo: Rock Dove (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbidae#/media/File:Rock_dove_-_natures_pics.jpg) Song: Alleluia by Stephen Iverson (https://store.cdbaby.com/artist/StephenIverson) *used with permission
Photo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbidae#/media/File:Treron_vernans_male_-_Kent_Ridge_Park.jpg Song: A Quiet Time by Stephen Iverson *used with permission
Photo: The Bright Star Alpha Centauri (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_bright_star_Alpha_Centauri_and_its_surroundings.jpg) Music: Afternoon Sun by Paul Winter (paulwinter.com) *used with permission
Hello Listeners, I’m heading out in a few minutes to have surgery on my shoulder. Your prayers are welcome. I hope to get back to the podcast (and fly fishing!) soon. In the meantime, I encourage you to make use of the Search field on my webpage to find an episode or two that wouldContinue reading "Surgery. Back sometime soon…"
Photo: East River near Crested Butte, Colorado; taken by Todd Spencer Music: Lullaby at Pumpkin Springs by Paul Winter (paulwinter.com) Used with permission
Photo: Benet Hill Monastery Entrance, Black Forest, Colorado; take by Todd Spencer on First Saturday Prayer Day, November 2, 2019. Song: The Simple Gospel by United Pursuit, sung by Todd Spencer.
Photo: Saint Gertrude’s Monastery, Cottonwood, Idaho, taken by Todd Spencer during the Fall 2019 Residency of the Stewards of the Mystery spiritual direction training program. Song: I Will Trust by Marty Reardon and Trinity Music (https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/trinitymusic6) used with permission
Photo by my childhood friend, Hugh Hood, who died in a car wreck last week. Just a few days before he died I asked if I could share some of his photos on my podcast page. He was so kind to say yes! I love you Hugh. We willContinue reading "2 Timothy 4:5-8, 15-18 for Sunday, October 27, 2019"
Photo: Fall in the Rocky Mountains, taken by Pamela Murphy, Colorado Springs, Colorado * Song: Air for Keetu by Paul Winter * *used with permission
Photo: Taken by Pamela Murphy, near Hugo, Colorado, 8.31.19. Song: Cello Improvisation by Eugene Friesen on Paul Winter’s album, 23rd Annual Summer Solstice Celebration *used with permission
Photo: Todd fishing the Taylor River near Crested Butte, Colorado. While I’m away, search my site for an episode that will help you be present with God. There are hundreds on here! Deepest Peace, Todd
Photo: Campfire Pinecone; by Emeldil; Wikipedia; CC BY-SA 3.0; Created: 27 March 2008 Music: Lullaby on Three by Trace Bundy (tracebundy.com) used with permission
Photo: Wilkerson Pass, Colorado; taken by Todd Spencer, August 2019 Music: Ead’s Alpine Experience by Trace Bundy (tracebundy.com) used with permission
Photo: Grandmother Tree, Ute Prayer Tree of Fox Run Park in Black Forest, Colorado; taken by Todd Spencer Song: If I Give it All by Will Reagan sung by Todd Spencer
Photo: Skagway Reservoir, Colorado; taken by Todd Spencer, July 2019 Song: There Is Nowhere by Marty Reardon and Trinity Music (https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/trinitymusic6) used with permission
Song: Drawing Me Closer by Stephen Iverson, sung by Todd Spencer (https://store.cdbaby.com/artist/StephenIverson) Photo: Burning barn, from https://www.pca.state.mn.us/featured/growing-problem-burning-demolished-farm-buildings used with permission
Photo: Mountains from Devil’s Courthouse, North Carolina, taken by Todd Spencer Song: Spirit of the Living God by Audrey Assad, sung by Todd Spencer
Photo: Old Road in the Forest, St. Gertrude’s Monastery, Idaho; photo taken by Todd Spencer Song: Most Invited Guest by Stephen Iverson * (https://store.cdbaby.com/artist/StephenIverson) *used with permission
Hello Listeners, This week, I am re-broadcasting an episode from 2013 for this week’s lectionary Gospel text. Enjoy. Deepest Peace, Todd Artwork: To Have Without Holding by Jan Richardson (http://www.janrichardsonimages.com) Music: Be Quiet by Mr. Bish (http://soundcloud.com/mr-bish/be-quiet) *used with permission
Photo: A Forest Chapel, Saint Gertrude’s Monastery; taken by Todd Spencer. Music: Deleted Scene #1, Plowshares by Trace Bundy (tracebundy.com) used with permission
Artwork: Jailer in Philippi, Engraved by Joseph Mulder (1658 – ca. 1728) from the design of Arnold Houbraken; from the collections at Pitts Theological Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University; http://pitts.emory.edu/dia/image_details.cfm?ID=130228 Song: As a Deer Longs by John Philip Newell, sung by Suzanne Butler (https://heartbeatjourney.org/books/) Used with permission
No podcast this week. I’m at the side of my Dad in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, as we share his final moments on Earth. He’s home on hospice care. It’s a messy thin place. God is guiding us. Back soon. Deepest Peace, Todd
Photo: Saint Gertrude’s Monastery, Cottonwood, Idaho; taken by Todd A. Spencer Music: Let Me Hear by John Philip Newell, sung by Suzanne Butler (https://heartbeatjourney.org/books/) used with permission
Photo: The view from the beloved Levine stretch of the Arkansas River; Howard, Colorado. Photo taken by Todd Spencer, April, 2019. Been on the river fly fishing and now doing the necessary catching up on work. Hope to produce another podcast soon. I encourage you to search my archives for a good Lectio. There areContinue reading "Back soon, friends…"
Music: Look This New Day by Stephen Iverson(https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/StephenIverson) used with permission
Artwork: Henry Ossawa Tanner, The Three Marys, 1910 Fisk University, Nashville, TN 42″ x. 50″ (as found on http://artvent-artventures.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-calling-of-henry-o-tanner-religious.html, April 15, 2019). From the above listed blog post, Julie Schauer writes of Tanner: Henry Ossawa Tanner, the most important African-American painter born in the 19th century, should probably beContinue reading "Luke 24:1-12 for Sunday, April 21, 2019"
Song: A Quiet Time by Stephen Iverson (https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/StephenIverson) Photo: Young Donkey Colt (found on: http://westernjurisdictionumc.org/lent-2017-good-news-riding-on-a-colt-of-a-donkey/; April 8, 2019) used with permission
Image: Spikenard Flower (as found on https://tisserandinstitute.org/spikenard-sustainability/) Music: Atonement by Trinity Music (https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/trinitymusic6) used with permission
With family in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma this week. Dad is back in the hospital. We welcome prayers. Thank you. God’s Peace with You, Todd
Image: Hawk in Kurdistan by Sarchia Khursheed (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hawk_in_Kurdistan.jpg) Music: Majmin by Trace Bundy (tracebundy.com) *used with permission
Friends, I will not get to record this week’s lectio podcast. I’m in Wyoming for Board of Ordained Ministry meetings and now delayed due to the “bomb cyclone” blizzard (I know, what?) that came through here yesterday. The interstates are closed. Glad to be with a whole bunch of good souls from my UMC connectionContinue reading "Back soon"
Artwork:Brooklyn Museum – Jesus Ministered to by Angels (Jésus assisté par les anges) – James Tissot – overall.jpg; Created: between 1886 and 1894 – Public Domain Song: Alleluia by Stephen Iverson https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/StephenIverson used with permission
https://lectiodivinatodd.files.wordpress.com/2019/02/luke-9.28-36-for-sunday-march-3-2019.m4a
Photo: Cumulus Clouds Panorama *
(Fir0002/Flagstaffotos;https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cumulus_clouds_panorama.jpg)
Music: Cello Improvisation by Eugene Friesen*
(paulwinter.com)
*used with permission
https://lectiodivinatodd.files.wordpress.com/2019/02/matthew-28.16-20-for-sunday-february-24-2019.m4a
Song: Can I Take This Weight by Stephen Iverson*
(https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/StephenIverson)
*used with permission
https://lectiodivinatodd.files.wordpress.com/2019/02/jeremiah-17.5-10-for-sunday-february-17-2019.m4a
Song: Moonstones and Chromosomes by Trace Bundy*
(tracebundy.com)
*used with permission
https://lectiodivinatodd.files.wordpress.com/2019/02/isaiah-6.1-8-for-sunday-february-10-2019.m4a
Song: Majmin by Trace Bundy*
(tracebundy.com)
*used with permission
https://lectiodivinatodd.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/1-corinthians-13.1-13-for-sunday-february-3-2019.m4a
Artwork: Mandela by Karla Neumann Smiley*
Music: Air for Keetu by Paul Winter*
(paulwinter.com)
*used with permission
I had a family emergency and won’t be creating a podcast this week. I encourage you to dig into my archives for an episode to pray and meditate with. Hope to be back next week.
Godbless,
Todd
https://lectiodivinatodd.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/1-corinthians-12.1-11-for-sunday-january-20-2019.m4a
Photo: Flyfishing Lower Grape Creek, Colorado by Todd A. Spencer*
Song: Ead’s Alpine Experience by Trace Bundy*
(tracebundy.com)
*used with permission
https://lectiodivinatodd.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/luke-3.15-17-21-22-for-sunday-january-13-2019.m4a
Photo: Rock Dove, by Alan D. Wilson*
http://www.naturespicsonline.com – http://www.naturespicsonline.com/galleries/14#5 (higher resolution version obtained in correspondence with website owner), CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1488292
Song: Alabaster by Trace Bundy*
(tracebundy.com)
*used with permission
Dear Listeners,
I’m back home in Broken Arrow where I grew up, visiting my parents. No podcast this or next week. But here’s a little merciful bit from Parker Palmer’s latest book, On the Brink of Everything, for your day:
“Solitude does not necessarily mean living apart from others; rather, it means never living apart from one’s self. It is not about the absence of other people — it is about being fully present to ourselves, whether or not we are with others.”
I’m pondering whether I agree entirely. I do know this is true in my experience: when I make space, clear islands of time, live in humane rhythms which allow for physical, actual solitude, and breathe deep there, I give my soul a real chance to then show up more fully when I am with others. I am one who needs and desires the literal solitude, daily. It gives me the freedom to be my better self wherever I am — alone or with others.
Praying this to be real today, here in Oklahoma. May your Christmas season be filled with grace and joy.
Warmly,
Todd
https://lectiodivinatodd.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/Luke-1.39-45-for-Sunday-December-23-2018.m4a
Artwork: Adoration of the Shepherds (1622), by Gerard van Honthorst – Google Art Project, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=45542035*
Music: Sweet Dreams, Little One by Paul Winter*
(https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18456094)
*used with permission
https://lectiodivinatodd.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/philippians-4-4-7-for-sunday-december-16-2018.m4a
Photo: Vulpes Fox, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vulpes_vulpes_laying_in_snow.jpg; Shiretoko-Shari Tourist Association*
Song: Light that Finds Me by Stephen Iverson
(https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/StephenIverson)*
*used with permission
https://lectiodivinatodd.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/philippians-1-3-11-for-sunday-december-9-2018.m4a
Photo: By Steve Jurvetson – Flickr, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23906915*
Song: Alleluia by Stephen Iverson*
(https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/StephenIverson)
*used with permission