The Invitation: Recent Episodes
Joshua Banner
The Invitation podcast is a 'little retreat' to help you hear and respond to the God's invitation to a deeper relationship with him. Each episode is a guided prayer and meditation led by Josh Banner, a certified spiritual director.
08:04 Finding Safe Space and Not Being the Only One08:26 Keith's Reflection on Growing Up in a Southern Power Structure10:35 The Weight of Racism, Overt and Covert14:00 Witnessing and Spaciousness in Jennings' Reading16:04 Say Amen or Ouch: Learning Together in Discomfort16:48 Normalizing What It Means to Be Hidden in Christ21:40 Keith's Story: Meeting His Wife and His Grandfather's Blessing28:00 Becoming What You Weren't: Transformation, Not Performance30:10 The Goal Isn't Friendship, It's a Safe Space to Fail31:30 Contemplation and the Reactive vs. Contemplative Life33:38 Wise Action vs. Reaction35:56 Contemplation as an Invitation to Presence, Not Escape39:25 Closing Reflections and an Invitation to Those Afraid to Begin41:22 Support The Invitation Center42:07 Closing Scripture and BlessingAll music is original, by Josh Banner.
More information about the program of study can be found at https://contemplationandjustice.westernsem.edu.In this episode Keith Reynolds offers a reading from Walter Brueggemann's Hope Restored: Biblical Imagination Against Empire, exploring Israel's vocation as servant, the poetry of Isaiah 42 and 52, and the invitation to be cruciform — to bear suffering not as individual heroism but as an abandonment to Christ's way in the world. Keith is joined by Cami Beecroft Mann, Michelle Loyd-Paige, and Josh Banner, who each bring their own understanding of the Brueggemann reading. They discuss podcasting as a democratizing force (drawing a parallel to the 12th-century Beguine movement), the distinction between redemptive and retributive energy, the Paschal Mystery as an eternal moment of participation, the danger of a church that avoids suffering, and lament as a first practical step into justice work. The conversation also touches on Pope Francis and Holy Week, parenting as a form of dying to self, reading outside one's own tradition, and the three-year schema of the cohort drawn from Brueggemann: Orientation, Disorientation, and Re-orientation.Keith Reynolds can be followed on Instagram to learn more about his pending church plant. Cami Beecroft Mann: https://www.physiodivina.com. Michelle Loyd-Paige and her upcoming Fresh Anointing Conference: https://www.preachsista.org. Josh Banner: https://www.theinvitationcenter.org.Please consider a one-time or monthly donation to support this podcast: https://theinvitationcenter.org/donations. Josh can be reached directly at that link and is available for one-on-one or group spiritual direction, to create and facilitate retreats, and to teach or consult for your church or organization on topics ranging from spiritual formation, contemplative spirituality, and racial justice.00:00 Holy Tears of Lament00:50 Podcast Welcome and Vision03:06 Lectio Divina as Practice06:10 Introducing Michelle and Cammie11:50 Gathering in Gratitude13:50 Why Lament Matters Now17:00 Barbara Holmes Reading20:16 Defining Lament Together23:00 Gospel Music and Shared Grief26:15 Hero Stories and Personal Lament31:13 Creating Space for Sorrow35:29 Lament Praise and Hope42:46 Reconciliation Without Lament44:23 Risky Speech and Prophetic Church47:47 Trust the Lament49:05 Grief Is Not Linear49:55 Remain With Me51:11 Presence Over Fixing52:32 Conversation ends53:42 Josh’s invites listeners to mediation in response to the episode55:13 Closing thoughts about the DMin
More information about the program of study can be found at https://contemplationandjustice.westernsem.edu. In this episode Cami Beecroft Mann offers a reading from the late Dr. Barbara A. Holmes’ Crisis Contemplation: Healing the Wounded Village, describing lament as risky speech that challenges power, stitches neighbors together, and becomes prayer when words fail. Cami defines lament as honest sorrow that breaks facades, decenters heroic control, and makes space for hope and praise. Cami is joined by Keith Reynolds, Michelle Loyd-Paige, and Josh Banner who each offer their own understanding of the Holmes reading. They discuss gospel music, justice work, and resisting shallow reconciliation that skips naming disunity. Cami mentions launching a nonprofit, The Center of Sorrow. You can learn more about Cami at https://www.physiodivina.comMichelle and her upcoming Fresh Anointing Conference at https://www.preachsista.org Keith can be followed on Instagram to learn more about this pending church plant Josh Banner: www.theinvitationcenter.org Please consider a one time or monthly donation to support this podcast: https://theinvitationcenter.org/donations Josh can be reached directly at this link and is available for one on one or group spiritual direction, to create and facilitate retreats, to teach or consult for your church or organization on topics ranging from spiritual formation, contemplative spirituality, and racial justice. 00:00 Holy Tears of Lament00:50 Podcast Welcome and Vision03:06 Lectio Divina as Practice06:10 Introducing Michelle and Cammie11:50 Gathering in Gratitude13:50 Why Lament Matters Now17:00 Barbara Holmes Reading20:16 Defining Lament Together23:00 Gospel Music and Shared Grief26:15 Hero Stories and Personal Lament31:13 Creating Space for Sorrow35:29 Lament Praise and Hope42:46 Reconciliation Without Lament44:23 Risky Speech and Prophetic Church47:47 Trust the Lament49:05 Grief Is Not Linear49:55 Remain With Me51:11 Presence Over Fixing52:32 Conversation ends53:42 Josh’s invites listeners to mediation in response to the episode55:13 Closing thoughts about the DMin
Compassion (38:22 - 40:37)The group offers closing words to listeners — take a breath, pace yourself, there's no coercion, this is slow long work. They sign off and preview Cami's reading for the next episode.#contemplation #justice #subversivehope #subversivelove #prayer #meditation
What do we do with the agony? What can we do? Where do we go for help? For all those who feel deeplyFor all those who are confusedFor all those who feel helplessFor all those who are angryFor all those who are hiding and are shut downFor all those who have no voiceFor all those who are prayerlessFor all those who are sleeplessFor all those who are exhaustedHow are you staying sane and safe? In this audio meditation, Josh offers a meditation to consider how our response to the pain surrounding us reveals our false understanding of power. Can we become more honest and open to God by considering our immediate violence in the context of our long addiction to power? After moving through this difficult discernment, Josh offers simple guided breath work to further open to God’s help. [0:00] Welcome America’s struggle with power, and situates this episode within the broader A New Reality in Belonging conversation.[3:00] An Audio-Only Meditation A prayerful, contemplative meditation—especially amid exhaustion, violence, and polarization.[6:54] Discernment on Power, Weakness, and America Our self-consumed society is collapsing, with insights from Howard Thurman’s Jesus and the Disinherited.[29:25] Guided Breath Prayer A simple, embodied breath practice (4 counts in, 4 counts out) to calm the nervous system and open the heart to God.[40:46] Staying Open to God in the Midst of Pain Finding help without bypassing suffering. Please share your experience of this episode with me. I’d love to know if and how breath work is helpful. Email me: josh at theinvitationcenter dot org. For more information visit: www.theinvitationcenter.orgFor information about the pending DMin cohort at Western Theological Seminary, visit: https://www.westernsem.edu/admissions/
Keith Reynolds Pt IIIWhat if justice begins with listening? What if we don’t bring Jesus to others—but discover Jesus already among them?In this final conversation with Keith Reynolds and Robert Caldwell, we explore contemplation, Black perseverance, cruciform leadership, and the sacramental presence of God revealed through our neighbors. A call to move beyond saviorism, recover communal wisdom, and practice a faith shaped by deep listening, shared life, and hope.0:51 – Neighbors as Sacrament Opening the conversation on symbiotic relationship, not saviorism3:14 – Encountering God Through the Other How we meet Christ in and through our neighbors5:48 – NT Wright on the Church as New Creation A unified, multi-ethnic body as a living sign of God’s kingdom9:47 – Black Genius, Suffering, and Imagination How suffering forms vision, creativity, and spiritual resilience14:51 – Family Stories of Perseverance Robert’s ancestral story of survival, migration, and hope21:00 – Going to Celebrate, Not Just Serve A corrective to paternalism: discovering Jesus already present25:27 – Contemplation as Formation for Justice Richard Rohr, inner quiet, and faithful presence28:57 – Inner Life and World-Mindedness Howard Thurman on the inseparable bond between contemplation and social responsibilityFor more information visit: www.theinvitationcenter.orgFor information about the pending DMin cohort at Western Theological Seminary, visit: https://www.westernsem.edu/admissions/
Keith Reynolds; focus on faithfulness03:31 - The “finished man,” self-sufficiency, and Advent’s invitation to need04:51 - Deconstruction, holding space for pain and hope06:29 - Community, vulnerability, and hope in belonging07:46 - Church planting: critique of megachurches, seeking authenticity14:22 - Launching a new church; forming a core team18:03 - Mentorship, transparency, and organic process22:48 - Living in the community; challenging church norms24:30 - New wine in new wineskins; generational shifts27:21 - Outward-facing church; serving the marginalized29:20 - Social location, calling, and never forgetting one’s roots36:40 - Returning to serve in one’s own neighborhood41:52 - Living out faith; surrender and next stepsFor more information visit: www.theinvitationcenter.orgFor information about the pending DMin cohort at Western Theological Seminary, visit: https://www.westernsem.edu/admissions/
In this episode podcaster and spiritual director, Josh Banner with Keith Reynolds, and Robert Caldwell explores how the church can embody creative, justice-oriented responses to today’s social realities by centering marginalized communities and reimagining spiritual formation as social transformation. Guests:•Keith Reynolds (Western Theological Seminary)•Robert Caldwell (Answer Poverty)Key Topics:•Church and social justice•Community development•Faith in action•Racial equity•Creative ministry models00:00 – Introduction•Opening thoughts on not being anxious about current events and the call for the church to focus on supporting marginalized people.00:32 – Organizing for Impact•Discussion on how resources are used to meet material needs in the community.00:47 – New Wine, Old Wineskins•Reflection on the need for new approaches in faith and community work.01:03 – Suffering and Imagination•The idea that suffering requires imagination and leads to collective genius, especially in the Black community.01:25 – Robert Caldwell’s Influence•Robert’s non-reactionary approach and the wisdom gained from elders.01:51 – Episode Overview•Host Josh introduces guests Keith Reynolds and Robert Caldwell, and outlines the themes of the episode: church planting, justice, and hope.02:36 – Orientation and Vision•Robert shares his story; Keith discusses his vision for a new kind of church.04:20 – Turning to Hope•Encouragement to focus on good news and practice hope despite a difficult news cycle.05:40 – Love and Justice•Exploring the connection between loving God, neighbor, and self; justice as love in action.09:00 – Personal Journeys•Keith and Robert share their backgrounds, vocational journeys, and the importance of mentorship and legacy.16:36 – Church Planting and Community•Keith describes the influence of Robert on his approach to church and community development.36:14 – Closing Reflections•The episode closes with thoughts on witness, legacy, and the ongoing journey of faith and justice.For more information visit: www.theinvitationcenter.orgFor information about the pending DMin cohort at Western Theological Seminary, visit: https://www.westernsem.edu/admissions/
In this fourth installment of the ‘Eastertide’ series, Josh Banner invites listeners to explore the concept of becoming small through Christ's resurrection. By reflecting on Psalm 131, the discussion delves into humility and love for others, even those we don't understand. The episode examines toxic masculinity, the nurturing aspect of God, and the importance of empathy in Christianity. Highlighting insights from Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Howard Thurman, Banner emphasizes the need for a counter-cultural approach to faith, focusing on humility, meekness, and a deeper connection to justice and love. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own posture and to engage in supportive practices for personal and communal growth.Please fill out this questionnaire to give the Invitation feedback on this podcast: https://tinyurl.com/5n73wrcx www.theinvitationcenter.org00:00 Introduction and Overview01:18 Exploring Psalm 13102:04 Contemplative Listening and the Divine Feminine03:08 Toxic Masculinity and Patriarchy06:00 Bonhoeffer and Thurman on Brotherhood08:52 Bonhoeffer's Transformation in Harlem12:19 Empathy and Its Potential Abuses16:19 The Paradox of Becoming Small21:07 Conclusion and Call to Action
In this episode of The Invitation Podcast, Josh Banner delves deep into the concept of resurrection as a means to become humble and small. Drawing upon passages from Psalm 131, Romans 12, and integrating thoughts from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Martin Luther King Jr., and Howard Thurman, Josh explores the transformation of society and self by aligning with the suffering and marginalized rather than seeking power. He discusses the challenges of religious jargon, the value of questioning deeply held beliefs, and fostering true dignity and justice for all. The episode invites listeners to consider the depths of their faith, the importance of mutuality, and to explore how to embody Christ's compassion in their interactions with others. Please fill out this questionnaire to give the Invitation feedback on this podcast: https://tinyurl.com/5n73wrcx www.theinvitationcenter.org00:00 Introduction to The Invitation Podcast00:36 Exploring Resurrection and Humanity01:42 Bonhoeffer's Messianic Act and Religious Jargon02:45 Deconstruction and Desert Spirituality04:10 Resurrection Life Amidst Pain and Oppression05:30 Integrating Teachings from Dr. King, Bonhoeffer, and Thurman08:13 Psalm 131: A Meditation on Humility and Trust09:24 Howard Thurman's Perspective on Jesus and the Disinherited11:27 Christianity's Relationship with Power and Suffering18:42 Resurrection Life and Creative Maladjustment18:56 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Resurrection Power20:33 Embracing the Other with Christ's Love23:39 Conclusion and Listener Engagement
In this episode of The Invitation Podcast, Josh Banner explores the idea of 'Resurrection Life as an Invitation to Become Small.' He delves into the late writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, suggesting that Bonhoeffer's true essence and his writings on powerlessness align with a deeper understanding of Jesus' teachings. Josh contrasts religious complacency with true Christian life, emphasizing humility, meekness, and genuine fellowship with others. He connects scripture from Psalm 131 and insights from Bonhoeffer's prison letters to encourage listeners to embrace a life of smallness and trust in God, steering away from traditional notions of religious power and significance.Please fill out this questionnaire to give the Invitation feedback on this podcast: https://tinyurl.com/5n73wrcx www.theinvitationcenter.org00:00 Introduction to The Invitation Podcast01:01 Exploring Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Legacy04:25 Bonhoeffer's Letters and Theological Insights12:16 The Concept of Religionless Christianity17:27 Practical Applications of Resurrection Life19:58 Invitation to Reflect and Become Small
In this episode of the Invitation Podcast, Josh Banner explores the upcoming podcast series focusing on resurrection as an invitation to becoming small. He reflects on the heroic dimension often associated with Christian faith in America and invites listeners to reconsider their understanding during Eastertide, the 50 days after Easter. Using Psalm 131 and teachings from figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Howard Thurman, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Josh guides a meditative journey on aligning with the meek, the poor in spirit, and the non-conforming minority. He also shares his experiences with contemplative practices in prison ministry. Tune in for a deeply reflective and thought-provoking meditation. Please fill out this questionnaire to give the Invitation feedback on this podcast: https://tinyurl.com/5n73wrcx www.theinvitationcenter.org00:00 Preface to Fram Eastertide01:02 Introduction and Listener Feedback04:00 Proposing a New Podcast Series07:05 Meditation on Psalm 130 and Influential Readings08:02 Personal Reflections on Ministry and Humility010:25 Dr. King's Influence and Creative Maladjustment12:34 What is your pending doom?15:24 Sermon on the Mount, Blessed are the Poor in Spirit 20:14 Hosanna and the Call to Become Small23:15 Conclusion: Embracing Smallness and Cooperation with God 25:15 Outro, How you can collaborate with the Invitation Center
I made this sketch for the Invitation Podcast series The Resurrection Invites us to Become Small.
I put this meditation together March 27, 2025 after facilitating an SOCL retreat. I left the retreat appropriately tired yet full and in need of processing with sound. Rhodes, nylon string guitar, and 'field' recording processed with a Chase Bliss Mood II and some Felt Instruments Smugi.
In this hundredth episode, I share the completion of my doctoral dissertation, reflecting on the impact of global and national issues on our well-being. Drawing inspiration from Willie James Jennings, I explore the concept of a new reality in belonging and its significance in our polarized world. As an introvert and Enneagram 4, I discuss the challenges of making video podcasts and the importance of feedback. I delve into themes of contemplation, justice, and our role in public theology, referencing Matthew 10:34-37 and Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl performance. As we approach Lent, I invite you to join me in deep soul formation and anti-racism work, aiming to create safe spaces for transformative conversations. Your feedback and support are invaluable on this journey. To watch this podcast: https://youtu.be/LMqNzLUZjcgPlease complete this survey to help us develop the podcast. Thanks!https://tinyurl.com/kkhnz7yx00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview00:28 Rediscovering the Podcast's Purpose03:02 Invitation to Feedback and Reflection04:10 Contemplation and Justice05:19 Exploring a New Reality in Belonging07:10 Creating Safe Spaces for Hard Conversations09:55 Public Theology and Social Justice12:01 Meditation on Matthew 10:34-3714:09 Looking Ahead and Final ThoughtsTo learn more about the Invitation Center: www.theinvitationcenter.orgThe Invitation Center is a 501c3. Tax deductible donations can be offered here: https://theinvitationcenter.org/donations
In this episode discuss my journey with The Invitation, the challenges and goodness of 2024, especially as I finish my doctorate! To wrap up the year I share four sacred sayings that have helped me, a reading from Dr. King, Paul Kingsnorth, St. Ignatius of Loyola, and Howard Thurman. This update serves as a meditation exploring themes of justice, contemplative listening, and openness to the Holy Spirit.We always solicit your prayer and friendship. If the Invitation has been a help to you and you have the means, you can support us with a year end gift here at this link!With much love and gratitude for you!JoshA link to Paul Kingsnorth’s Erasmus Lecture: https://www.youtube.com/live/Y3hMSZqatHITo learn more about the School of Prayer: https://theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-prayerThe School of Contemplative Listening: https://theinvitationcenter.org/socl#00:00 Introduction and Year-End Reflections04:09 Challenges and Personal Updates06:49 Formation School and Collaborations08:13 Contemplative Listening and Feminine Energy14:05 Sayings and Reflections32:11 Conclusion and Call to Action
"Lord, teach me to care and not to care."It's been awhile since I needed to process with music. Found sounds here just outside my studio on a windy day. Here's our original release: https://ordinaryneighbors.bandcamp.com/album/the-necessary-dark
In this episode six members of the School of Contemplative Listening respond to our conviction that spiritual direction can solve (almost) all the world's problems. This is an episode in our onrunning Forum on Spiritual Direction series.As we propose contemplative listening at the vital intersection of contemplation and justice, we are getting into the deeper terrain of existence. There are many reasons to fall into despair today. But if quiet ourselves and listen, we find that help and healing are not too far away. This is a movement from being victims to becoming witnesses.This conversation has previously been between Josh Banner and Cami Beecroft Mann. We excited for you to receive the witness from others who have been studying and practicing spiritual direction!Subscribe to the Invitation podcast:theinvitationcenter.org/subscribeTo learn about the School of Contemplative Listening:theinvitationcenter.org/soclTo learn about the Invitation School of Prayer:theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-prayerOpening song - "Wrestle" by Kristi Hepp from the album, In Between the Gardens available at kristihepp.bandcamp.com/album/in-betw…n-the-gardensAll other music is by Josh Banner
We all need help. We can all offer each other help. Cami has taught me so much about these things!This episode is a conversation Josh had with SOCL co-director, Cami Beecroft Mann in 2021. We consider this episode a prequel to the Forum on Spiritual Direction where Josh and Cami discuss the conviction that spiritual direction can solve (almost) all the world’s problems.Download our free prayer guide, 40 Ways to Spend Five Minutes with God: https://theinvitationcenter.org/40-waysSubscribe to the Invitation podcast:theinvitationcenter.org/subscribeTo learn about the Invitation School of Prayer:theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-prayerTo learn about the School of Contemplative Listening:theinvitationcenter.org/socl
Josh talks with painter, author, arts advocate Makoto Fujimura about the connections between creativity and prayer. To introduce Makoto Josh offers a reflection on Makoto as a 'worldly mystic,' how he offers for us in his paintings and writings ways to rediscover our own sacred yet earthly existence.The video referenced "Mako Fujimura's Golden Sea": https://youtu.be/2B7_8w_FzPwhttps://makotofujimura.comSubscribe to the Invitation podcast:theinvitationcenter.org/subscribeTo learn about the Invitation School of Prayer:theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-prayerTo learn about the School of Contemplative Listening:theinvitationcenter.org/socl
Josh talks with Kristi Hepp about her new record "In Between the Gardens." This is the third episode that maps Josh's history with Oklahoma City where Kristi originally hails from. The focus question of this episode is the focus question of Kristi's record, what is a human being fully alive? In this episode, we discuss whether we could make a record that Kristi would want to listen to. Can she belong to herself? Can she even enjoy the sound of her own voice singing her own songs? We discuss the necessary fear and pain that the Holy Spirit invites us to name, and how loving ourselves requires us to receive God's love. And how this means getting honest with God about our deepest questions, doubts, and even anger.Please support and share Kristi's music: https://kristihepp.bandcamp.com/album/in-between-the-gardensSubscribe to the Invitation podcast:theinvitationcenter.org/subscribeTo learn about the Invitation School of Prayer:theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-prayerTo learn about the School of Contemplative Listening:theinvitationcenter.org/socl
What do we do with suffering? Why would we want to cooperate with the pain? How can suffering be helpful? There are many reasons to be concerned with the way organized religion handles these very vulnerable questions. In this episode, I talk with worship leader Charlie Hall, an old friend about these things. That we can engage such vulnerabilities after so much time--this bears witness to the mystical body of Christ that exists beyond time and space.The prayer for this episode: that we might recover a deeper trust in God and other people, to be honest about our suffering, and not alone. I visited Oklahoma City in December of 2017 to gain support during the launch of the Invitation as a not-for-profit. OKC had been a spiritual home for much of my early adulthood. This conversation with worship leader, Charlie Hall is the second of two conversations I recorded during that trip. As I review the previous conversation with Brock Bingaman (episode #94) and this one with Charlie, my heart is full of gratitude for the spiritual reality of the church.Subscribe to the Invitation podcast:theinvitationcenter.org/subscribeTo learn about the Invitation School of Prayer:theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-prayerTo learn about the School of Contemplative Listening:theinvitationcenter.org/socl
This is a conversation I had with Brock Bingaman, pastor of All Saints Community Church in Oklahoma City, on the Jesus Prayer and a book he co-edited on the Philokalia. Brock is an old friend I was glad to reconnect with for this conversation. Maybe breath prayer could be especially helpful for your Lenten journey this year? Books recommended in this episode: The Philokalia: A Classic Text of Orthodox Spirituality ed. Brock Bingaman and Bradley Nassif; The Orthodox Way, Kalistos Ware; Desert Fathers and Mothers: Early Christian Wisdom Sayings—Annotated & Explained, Christine Valters PaintnerSubscribe to the Invitation podcast:theinvitationcenter.org/subscribeTo learn about the Invitation School of Prayer:theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-prayerTo learn about the School of Contemplative Listening:theinvitationcenter.org/socl
This episode is a meditation on screwing with our dependencies in Lent.In the language of the Twelve Steps of addiction recovery: we are powerless over our drug of choice, and our lives as we know them are unmanageable. The purpose of Lent is to subvert our addictions that we might become more dependent upon the love of God. But we cannot do this easily. We cannot force our way toward healing and holiness. When we over-function and strive toward God, we set ourselves up for regression. In this episode we turn to the wisdom of Thomas a’Kempis, that we “uproot just one vice per year.” This is to say we must make a plan for Lent that is gracefully approachable.I encourage you to use the 40 Ways to Spend Five Minutes with God prayer guide for your Lenten practice.The Invitation is a spirituality center that creates time and space for God at the vital intersection of contemplation and justice.Subscribe to the Invitation podcast:theinvitationcenter.org/subscribeTo learn about the Invitation School of Prayer:theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-prayerTo learn about the School of Contemplative Listening:theinvitationcenter.org/socl
This is the conclusion of a six-part series of Advent meditations using the Invitation prayer guide, 40 Ways to Spend 5 Minutes with God. In this episode, Josh reads from the end of the prayer guide a reflection on how before God we are always beginners. This prayer guide, first written in 2015 has been substantially re-written with new prayer practices and Biblical rationale.Download a digital copy of the prayer guide: theinvitationcenter.org/downloadsThe Invitation is a spirituality center that creates time and space for God at the vital intersection of contemplation and justice.Subscribe to the Invitation podcast:theinvitationcenter.org/subscribeTo learn about the Invitation School of Prayer:theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-prayerTo learn about the School of Contemplative Listening:theinvitationcenter.org/socl
Let's return to prayer, to longing and expectation with our strength during Advent.In this meditation, Josh offers a short meditation of praying with the soul. We attended to our bodies in the previous episode. We are bodies. We are also souls. This is the fifth of a six-part series of Advent meditations using the Invitation prayer guide, 40 Ways to Spend 5 Minutes with God.This prayer guide, first written in 2015 has been substantially re-written with new prayer practices and Biblical rationale.Download a digital copy of the prayer guide: theinvitationcenter.org/downloadsThe Invitation is a spirituality center that creates time and space for God at the vital intersection of contemplation and justice.Subscribe to the Invitation podcast:theinvitationcenter.org/subscribeTo learn about the Invitation School of Prayer:theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-prayerTo learn about the School of Contemplative Listening:theinvitationcenter.org/socl
Let's return to prayer, to longing and expectation with our strength during Advent.In this meditation, Josh offers a short meditation of praying with our strength, in and through our bodies. This is the fourth of a six-part series of Advent meditations using the Invitation prayer guide, 40 Ways to Spend 5 Minutes with God.This prayer guide, first written in 2015 has been substantially re-written with new prayer practices and Biblical rationale.Download a digital copy of the prayer guide: theinvitationcenter.org/downloadsThe Invitation is a spirituality center that creates time and space for God at the vital intersection of contemplation and justice.Subscribe to the Invitation podcast:theinvitationcenter.org/subscribeTo learn about the Invitation School of Prayer:theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-prayerTo learn about the School of Contemplative Listening:theinvitationcenter.org/socl
Let's return to prayer, to longing and expectation in our MINDS during Advent.In this meditation, Josh offers a short meditation of praying with the heart. This is the second of a six-part series of Advent meditations using the Invitation prayer guide, 40 Ways to Spend 5 Minutes with God.This prayer guide, first written in 2015 has been substantially re-written with new prayer practices and Biblical rationale.Download a digital copy of the prayer guide: theinvitationcenter.org/downloadsThe Invitation is a spirituality center that creates time and space for God at the vital intersection of contemplation and justice.Subscribe to the Invitation podcast:theinvitationcenter.org/subscribeTo learn about the Invitation School of Prayer:theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-prayerTo learn about the School of Contemplative Listening:theinvitationcenter.org/socl
Let's return to prayer, to longing and expectation in our hearts during Advent.In this meditation, Josh offers a short meditation of praying with the heart. This is the second of a six-part series of Advent meditations using the Invitation prayer guide, 40 Ways to Spend 5 Minutes with God.This prayer guide, first written in 2015 has been substantially re-written with new prayer practices and Biblical rationale.Download a digital copy of the prayer guide: theinvitationcenter.org/downloadsThe Invitation is a spirituality center that creates time and space for God at the vital intersection of contemplation and justice.Subscribe to the Invitation podcast:theinvitationcenter.org/subscribeTo learn about the Invitation School of Prayer:theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-prayerTo learn about the School of Contemplative Listening:theinvitationcenter.org/socl
In this episode, Josh offers the first of a six-part series of Advent meditations using the Invitation prayer guide, 40 Ways to Spend 5 Minutes with God. This prayer guide, first written in 2015 has been substantially re-written. You can download a digital copy of the guide at https://theinvitationcenter.org/downloadsThe Invitation is a spirituality center that creates time and space for God at the vital intersection of contemplation and justice. Subscribe to the Invitation podcast:theinvitationcenter.org/subscribeTo learn about the Invitation School of Prayer:https://theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-prayerTo learn about the School of Contemplative Listening:https://theinvitationcenter.org/socl
Josh and Greg explore Greg's discernment to divest his ordination, leave local church ministry to explore different creative approaches to healing racism. Previously Greg had described his mission in the three elements of the political, the contemplative, and the convivial. Here in part two Greg casts the vision of moving from repentance to reparations to reconciliation to repast.
Start at @17:00 to skip past the introduction directly to the conversation with Greg.
For more on Greg visit: www.vuproject.org For more information on the Invitation School of Prayer: theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-prayer
Subscribe to Invitation updates: theinvitationcenter.org/subscribe
In this episode Josh opens up a conversation with Greg Thompson about his book co-authored with Duke Kwon, Reparations: A Christian Call to Repentance & Repair. Yet in the process of attempting to create a conversation about healing the ravages of white supremacy, Josh is confronted with his own personal instability. Does he belong to himself enough to be able to steward for others conversations about healing toward reconciliation? How is it that sharing our weaknesses with each other allows us to belong to each other?
This episode is an introduction to Greg, his movement out of pastoral leadership into Voices Underground, an organization committed to erecting a national monument to the Underground Railroad. Greg describes how his mission that lies at the intersection of the political, contemplative, and convivial led him to go to culinary school open a restaurant and a cocktail bar.
In part II of this conversation, Josh and Greg go more deeply into the meaning and practice of reparations.
Please visit: https://www.vuproject.org For more information on the Invitation School of Prayer: https://theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-prayer
Subscribe to Invitation updates: https://theinvitationcenter.org/subscribe
Josh has a conversation with his best friend about their 30+ years of spiritual friendship since they met at summer camp in middle school. This episode is a co-release with the Awakening, a worship/arts camp for high school students based at Hope College.
Promo vid: https://youtu.be/6-aewn-cgIo
For more information about the Awakening: https://hope.edu/awakening/
To subscribe to the Invitation for updates on newly released podcast episodes and upcoming retreats: https://theinvitationcenter.org/subscribe
We are recruiting for the School of Prayer beginning in September '23, https://theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-prayer and the School of Contemplative Listening beginning in August '23, https://theinvitationcenter.org/socl
Part II of the third conversation between Cami Beercroft Mann and Josh Banner for the series, the Forum on Spiritual Direction. We continue to tease out the meaning of the thesis of this series that spiritual direction can solve (almost) all of our problems.
Part I of the third conversation between Cami Beercroft Mann and Josh Banner for the series, the Forum on Spiritual Direction. We continue to tease out the meaning of the thesis of this series that spiritual direction can solve (almost) all of our problems.There are a few spots open for those wanting to spend time engaging the Forum on Spiritual Direction in a retreat format at St Gregory's Abbey in Three Rivers Michigan. Please email Josh with your interest.The Invitation is a spirituality center that practices spiritual direction at the vital intersection of contemplation and justice.For more information visit: theinvitationcenter.orgTo learn about the School of Prayer, our eight-month study and practice of the rule of life: theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-prayerTo learn about the Invitation School of Contemplative Listening: theinvitationcenter.org/soclTo collaborate with us or make a donation: theinvitationcenter.org/partnerThanks for listening!
Our second full conversation of the Forum on Spiritual Direction where we consider the focus question for discernment, "Can Spiritual Direction Solve (Almost) All of Our Problems?"The Invitation is a spirituality center that practices spiritual direction at the vital intersection of contemplation and justice. For more information visit: https://theinvitationcenter.orgTo learn about the School of Prayer, our eight-month study and practice of the rule of life: https://theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-prayerTo learn about the Invitation School of Contemplative Listening: https://theinvitationcenter.org/soclTo collaborate with us or make a donation: https://theinvitationcenter.org/partnerThanks for listening!
Spiritual Direction Can Solve (almost) All of the World's Problems.Can it?This episode something of an experiment for the Forum on Spiritual Direction. As I have struggled to accept my own failures, I offer some of my weaknesses and questions with you as an opportunity to explore the focus question of this series: can spiritual direction solve (almost) all of the world's problems? This episode turns out to be a kind of audio essay with no specific final point, no definite idea. Mostly I am looking to share myself and to welcome you deeper into this conversation I’m having with Cami.Over the holiday while home, I was prompted by the previous Forum discussion with Cami about the spirituality of our origins. So I take you on an audio walk around the Illinois farm where I was raised. I then share some further reflections while on retreat at St. Gregory's Abbey in Three Rivers Michigan. I’m considering how deep listening to our failures is a necessary, essential a gift for the sake of our healing and growth. Failures can become compost! Much Love to you!Josh **The picture I’ve used for this episode is from our family farm, taken the morning of January 3, 2023For more information: www.theinvitationcenter.org
Part II of what we are now calling a "prelude" to our new series, The Forum on Spiritual Direction.
We continue to discuss can direction solve (almost) all of the world's problems?
In this episode we move from considering Josh to focus on Cami's story, how she came to the practice of direction and how her practice is especially trauma informed.
You are invited to engage at least two zoom conversations and to even attend an in-person retreat. Details on these events along with a working outline of the Forum can be found here: theinvitationcenter.org/new-page
This part of the conversation is an honest, confessional exploration into the nature of what has become the Invitation Center in and through Josh, the founder and lead of the Invitation. In part two of this introduction, the focus turns to Cami's trauma-informed practice of direction and the story of how she came to her practice.
Josh and Cami serve as the co-directors of the Invitation School of Contemplative Listening, a study and practice of spiritual direction at the vital intersection of contemplation and justice. theinvitationcenter.org/socl
To subscribe to the Invitation newsletter: theinvitationcenter.org/subscribe To learn about the Invitation School of Prayer: theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-prayer
Spiritual Direction Can Solve (almost) All of the World's Problems.
Can it?
This is the first part of two episodes introducing our new series, the Invitation "Forum on Spiritual Direction' where Cami Mann and Josh Banner invite you into a long conversation to consider the vital, healing need of contemplative listening especially today. In this forum Josh and Cami attempt to talk about spiritual direction through a practice of spiritual direction. That is to say, these are vulnerable, self-disclosive contemplative listening conversations where Josh and Cami attempt to respond to the movements of the Holy Spirit in each other. They share their enthusiasm and insight, yet they also share their struggles, doubts, and fears.
You are invited to engage at least two zoom conversations and to even attend an in-person retreat. Details on these events along with a working outline of the Forum can be found here: https://theinvitationcenter.org/new-page
This part of the conversation is an honest, confessional exploration into the nature of what has become the Invitation Center in and through Josh, the founder and lead of the Invitation. In part two of this introduction, the focus turns to Cami's trauma-informed practice of direction and the story of how she came to her practice.
Josh and Cami serve as the co-directors of the Invitation School of Contemplative Listening, a study and practice of spiritual direction at the vital intersection of contemplation and justice. https://theinvitationcenter.org/socl
To subscribe to the Invitation newsletter: https://theinvitationcenter.org/subscribe To learn about the Invitation School of Prayer: https://theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-prayer
Josh offers some updates on the Invitation and shares more about what he is learning in and through the School of Prayer, how it is formed around what he experienced over the six years praying with a group of men in a prison while facilitating the Spiritual Exercises. Here Josh identifies how Christianity can function much more like a 12-Step addiction recovery program.
For more info: https://theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-prayer
Zach Winters surprised the Banner's with a little concert after sharing a meal with us. Zach's sung version of Psalm 23 has helped Josh and Susanna for several years. It was a gift to sit with him, with his music and share good conversation.
Pt II will include Josh's continued conversation with Zach after the kids went to bed. Josh and Zach talk about the incredible help of music and the arts to create community and healing.
https://www.zachwinters.com
An early version of "Psalm 23" was released by The Verses Project which can now be found at https://listentoverses.com/listen These good folks now offer their music via Spotify and their own app!
For more information about the Invitation Center: https://theinvitationcenter.org On the School of Prayer: https://theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-prayer-details
This is part seven of our series, "White People Talking to White People About Racism," a reading of Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance & Repair by Duke Kwon and Greg Thompson. In this episode the Rev Julie Van Til helps Josh unpack chapter three.
Subscribe to the Invitation: theinvitationcenter.org/subscribe About our summer podcast series: theinvitationcenter.org/reparations-b…ok-discussion
Reparations Group Discussion Guide: theinvitationcenter.org/s/Reparations…ion-Guide.pdf
To learn more about our formation schools... The School of Prayer: theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-prayer The School of Contemplative Listening: theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-con…e-listening-1
Before we can actively be a part of healing the ravages of white supremacy, we have to learn to care, to be invested. This whole series, "White People Talking to White People About Racism, A Reading of Reparations: A Christian Call to Repentance and Repair by Duke Kwon and Greg Thompson," this is our chance to slow down, listen, pray, and grow in our capacity to care for the work of healing before us. In this episode Josh shares his conversation with Latorious Willis who recently was recently released from prison. Here we celebrate Latorious' release, his spiritual friendship with Josh, and to celebrate all the other brothers who are still behind bars. We hope this episode offers you a glimpse into the goodness of learning to love the disinherited, the marginalized who are often ignored--or in Howard Thurman's vocabulary: the person who back is against the wall.
A short video of this reunion between Josh and Latorious can be found on our website: https://tinyurl.com/fd454bw2
Subscribe to the Invitation: theinvitationcenter.org/subscribe About our summer podcast series: theinvitationcenter.org/reparations-b…ok-discussion
Reparations Group Discussion Guide: theinvitationcenter.org/s/Reparations…ion-Guide.pdf
To learn more about our formation schools... The School of Prayer: theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-prayer The School of Contemplative Listening: theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-con…e-listening-1
The Rev Bryan Berghoef helps Josh unpack "Seeing the Reality of White Supremacy," chapter 3 of Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance & Repair. We are releasing this especially on the occasion of the 4th of July weekend because chapter two begins with Fredrick Douglas' speech on the 4th of July, 1852.
Bryan Berghoef is someone Josh has been excited to get to know for some time. He is an American politician, pastor and author who was the Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress in the 2020 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan for the Second District.[1] He is also a pastor of the Holland United Church of Christ, a UCC church in Holland, Michigan, which he founded in 2016.
The gift of this conversation with Bryan is a hope-filled demonstration of ecumenical breadth of the body of Christ that is bears witness to the love of God that will heal the ravages of white supremacy.
Subscribe to the Invitation: theinvitationcenter.org/subscribe About our summer podcast series: theinvitationcenter.org/reparations-b…ok-discussion
Reparations Group Discussion Guide: theinvitationcenter.org/s/Reparations…ion-Guide.pdf
To learn more about our formation schools... The School of Prayer: theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-prayer The School of Contemplative Listening: theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-con…e-listening-1
The Rev Kate Kooyman helps Josh unpack “The Call to See,” chapter one of Reparations.
This call, this invitation to reparations is a discipline of seeing. Chapters one and two of our book this summer are intensive opportunities for us to see the white supremacy that pervades America, the church, and even our own families, homes, and careers. With the honesty and clarity of a spiritual director, Kwon and Thompson describe the difficulty of seeing: “seeing racism in this was has been an ongoing struggle. In truth, seeing clearly almost always is a struggle.”
Subscribe to the Invitation: https://theinvitationcenter.org/subscribe About our summer podcast series: https://theinvitationcenter.org/reparations-book-discussion
Reparations Group Discussion Guide: https://theinvitationcenter.org/s/Reparations-Discussion-Guide.pdf
To learn more about our formation schools... The School of Prayer:https://theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-prayer The School of Contemplative Listening: https://theinvitationcenter.org/school-of-contemplative-listening-1
My wife, Susanna Childress, helps me respond to the introduction of Reparations. The idea is to let each chapter breathe a bit, to find ways to open ourselves to God in the reading and in the discussion. Susanna is especially able to help us think about how immersing ourselves in the writings of people of color can help us grow into people who will want to attend to the work of reparations. She is an Assistant Professor of creative writing at Hope College here in Holland, MI., and is author of two books of poetry, the 2006, Brittingham Prize in Poetry winning, Jagged With Love, as well as Entering the House of Awe. In 2015 her poem, “Careful, I Just Won A Prize at the Fair” was included in The Best of American Poetry.
Josh and Dr Jesse Curtis touch on some of the big ideas in the introduction to Reparations, but mainly they admire the careful yet bold while also pastoral tone of the book we’ve chosen for our summer read and discussion. Jesse Curts begins his contribution by sharing from his own journey, how he learned from his early mistakes and learned the goodness of experiencing God in and through his steep learning curve on racial injustice.
To go directly to the conversation with Jesse Curtis, skip to 18:40.
Here is a link for more information about this summer series, “White People Talking to White People About Racism” : https://theinvitationcenter.org/reparations-book-discussion
Please visit Jesse’s website: The Myth of Colorblind Christians https://colorblindchristians.com/
We are asking participants to buy the book from a black owned bookstore. In West Michigan, consider the store, We Are Lit! For a list of more black owned stores visit Literary Hub. https://lithub.com/you-can-order-today-from-these-black-owned-independent-bookstores/
Our call to worship prayer for this summer from Howard Thurman:
Lord, Lord, Open Unto Me
Open unto me, light for my darkness Open unto me, courage for my fear Open unto me, hope for my despair Open unto me, peace for my turmoil Open unto me, joy for my sorrow Open unto me, strength for my weakness Open unto me, wisdom for my confusion Open unto me, forgiveness for my sins Open unto me, tenderness for my toughness Open unto me, love for my hates Open unto me, Thy Self for myself
Lord, Lord, open unto me!
To stay up to date with our summer series, "White People Talking to White People About Racism," please subscribe: https://theinvitationcenter.org/subscribe
To learn more about the series: https://theinvitationcenter.org/reparations-book-discussion
The Rev. Dr. Denise Kingdom Grier offers a bold, honest, and frank discernment of the racism in America and the white church. Her courageous testimony provides the necessary and essential orientation as we invite white people to talk with white people about racism this summer 2021 in our reading of Reparations: A Christian Call For Repentance and Repair by Duke Kwon and Gregory Thompson.
Josh offers some orientation to Denise’s orientation by walking through the details about how this summer series will work, and then he offers some context about why the Invitation is handling this book and the vocabulary of reparations. Finally, Josh offers a few meditative readings from Ephesians 3 to allow you time to take this very difficult conversation into contemplative practice.
To go directly to the conversation with Denise, skip to 23:20.
We are asking participants to buy the book from a black owned bookstore. In West Michigan, consider the store, We Are Lit! For a list of more black owned stores visit Literary Hub: https://tinyurl.com/pt8c48ua
The March 4, 2021, “#LeaveLoud” episode of the Pass the Mic podcast mentioned can be found HERE: https://tinyurl.com/tsxj7998
Unedited audio of Josh’s conversation with Kenda Creasy Dean, the Mary D. Synnott Professor of Youth, Church, and Culture at Princeton Seminary. This content was created to support and deepen the Awakening, a summer week-long experience in the worship arts at Hope College that Josh serves as Director of Discipleship.
In this episode Josh Banner continues the Awakening’s collaboration with the Invitation Podcast as we further explore our focus question: what does a 16-year-old have to teach the church? Here, Josh borrows from a conversation he recently had with Kenda Creasy Dean, the Mary D. Synnott Professor of Youth, Church, and Culture at Princeton Seminary, to encourage parents and teens to share their true stories of faith with each other. We hope and pray especially in the midst of Covid-19 this episode #5 will help you to slow down, to be more intentionally present to your family, and to learn with and from each other.
The full unedited, un-produced conversation with Kenda is available for you to listen to.
It’s been too long. I apologize for disappearing. Doing quarantine for a year with young children is not easy. It’s been difficult to get anything done, yet there has been much goodness for the Invitation even in 2020-2021 that I want to share with you.
In this episode I offer good news about this years three cohorts of the School of Prayer, our new spiritual direction practicum, the School of Contemplative Listening, the first annual Invitation Family Camp, the forthcoming episodes, and our summer book club. But first, a mediation for Good Friday, a reading from Fr John Beher’s genius Becoming Human: Meditations on Christian Anthropology in Word and Image.
We can only recognize Jesus through the cross, through his death. Ironically, our life comes through our death, our rising in and through and beyond this world! Fr Beher helps us understand that to be truly human in to die.
Registration for the SOCL is open. We’ll have registration for the SOP and the Family Camp open in the next week.
I hope you and yours are well. Don’t be shy. It’d be great to hear from you!
In November of 2018 Josh sat down for a long-awaited conversation with David Dark, professor of Religion and the Arts at Belmont University. This conversation offers us a bit of sanity as Josh and David consider questions of faith, formation, and politics. In fact, no matter what happens with our election on Nov 3 and the following week, listening to David Dark will help you "slow the tape" and consider the value of a "righteous culture" that has the capacity to ask questions with a deep attentiveness. Josh offers a lengthy introduction offering updates on the Invitation School of Prayer as well as announcing some other exciting news. If you want to skip directly to the conversation with David, move to around the 19:30 mark to begin. If you've not already subscribed to the Invitation Podcast, please visithttps://www.invitationpodcast.org/subscribe Thanks for listening! Peace of Christ to you!
Continuing on with Fr Laird's wonderful text A Sunlit Absence, the second book of his three book series on contemplative prayer. Please be sure to subscribe to keep up with the Invitation Podcast, its retreats, and classes www.invitationpodcast.org/subscribe
This is an update as we transition from summer to the fall. Work with Fr Laird's A Sunlit Absence will resume soon. In the between weeks, Josh is working to recruit and set up the School of Prayer in in-person and perhaps also in distance learning formats. Much of this episode is focused on a guided prayer through questions of racism. We begin with a selection of readings from the first two chapters of Dr King's collection of sermons, Strength to Love. Then Josh presents an essay he recently wrote as a produced prayer meditation on white supremacy. The essay can be found on the Invitation website. Information about the School of Prayer along with video updates can be found:https://www.invitationpodcast.org/school-of-prayer Thanks for listening! Be blessed even in the midst of this difficult time!
Part XI of marks our journey halfway through Fr Martin Laird's A Sunlit Absence. This episode is the third movement with chapter four. We've spent more time with chapter four because it is the most difficult. If you are having difficulty getting your heart and mind wrapped around chapter four, you are not alone. Press on ahead if and when you sense the goodness of the Holy Spirit drawing. Do not force or fake your way. Read and practice your prayer. Practice your prayer and then come back to pray. All worship and prayer is a continual, ever-deepening rehearsal of the Gospel. As Fr Laird shares Teresa of Avila's words with us: "It is all about love melting into love." If you sense a further drawing into this love and would like some help and guidance this fall, consider The Invitation School of Prayer: https://www.invitationpodcast.org/school-of-prayer
Part X of our journey through Fr Martin Laird's A Sunlit Absence puts us squarely in the middle of the book. This is the second of three treatments of chapter four of the book. As we wade deeper into these waters, Josh wants to give listeners participating more freedom to not only stop listening and working through the book but to even perhaps take a break from the Invitation Podcast altogether. The awkward, strange, and even painful discovery is that as we move closer to God we are invited into more and more sacrifice, more death of self, more shifting of our priorities, and surprisingly more bewilderment. During the time of covid-19, anti-racism protests, and a presidential race we need to find ways to be careful and patient with ourselves. Further commitment to spiritual discipline can anchor us, yet we cannot strive or force ourselves along the way. Sacrifice always needs to be a response to cooperate with and deepen our love of God. If we attempt to earn God's love through contemplative prayer in a spirit of striving, we will drown. For those who sense the Holy Spirit's leading to go further into the discipline of prayer yet who would like further guidance along the way, please consider the Invitation School of Prayer launching this September with online resources for your growth: www.invitationpodcast.org/school-of-prayer Also, make sure to subscribe: www.invitationpodcast.org/subscribe
In the context of covid-19, the Invitation has been focusing on A Sunlit Absence, the second of a three-book series on contemplative prayer by Fr Martin Laird. This episode is Part I of two parts comprising an 1.5 hour conversation that Fr Laird so graciously shared with us. Here Josh opens with a brief, guided prayer. Fr Laird shares some opening thoughts about contemplation in the context of all suffering we are experiencing throughout the world. Then we are able to interact with two questions from Invitation Podcast listeners who joined in to our zoom conversation. The next episode, No 60, will be Part X of our journey through A Sunlit Absence. Shortly after Part II of this conversation of Q&A with Fr Laird will be available to you. Thanks for listening and continuing the journey. Subscribe to the invitation to stay updated about new episodes, classes, and retreats available from the Invitation: https://www.invitationpodcast.org/subscribe
Part IX of our journey through Fr Martin Laird's A Sunlit Absence takes us into chapter four which is also titled, "A Sunlit Absence." This is the thickest and most challenging chapter of the book, so before diving into chapter four Josh spends ample time reviewing what is contemplation and why we are bothering with it especially in our present, painful time of pandemic and political strife. The pursuit of contemplative practice is at times bewildering and challenging, but with patience and persistence we will gain the reward of God's presence and friendship.
A Reformed Pastor and Catholic Theologian Walk Into a Bar…. No. This isn’t the lead into a joke. These two friends didn’t walk into a bar, they sat in my office in August 2018 to talk about contemplative prayer, the Lord’s prayer, catechism, and theological orthodoxy. As a pause from our series through Fr Martin Laird’s A Sunlit Absence, Pastor Dominic Palacios and Dr Jared Ortiz speak candidly about the tensions within the church to engage the deeper levels of transformation available in contemplative spirituality. The greatest gift these two men offer is a way of sharing what they have in common in Jesus Christ rather than focusing on what makes them different. In the context of our very divided society and its culture wars, this conversation displays that there is peace, love, hope, growth, unity, fellowship still possible even today! Please subscribe to the Invitation Podcast to stay informed about the new episode, retreats, and classes we offer: https://www.invitationpodcast.org/subscribe
Part VIII completes chapter three of Fr Martin Laird's book, A Sunlit Absence. Josh offers some more context of Fr Laird's writing by looking at one saying of Abba Arsenius from the 4th century desert sayings. The question for discernment before us is what kind of daily practices, rhythms, disciplines each of us need to cultivate and nurture inner silence so that we can remain open to the love and life of God. You are invited to join our Zoom chat with Fr Laird Thursday, July 9 at 2pm EST. To find more information be sure to subscribe: www.invitationpodcast.org/subscribe
his is part VII of our journey through Fr Martin Laird’s A Sunlit Absence, the second of his three books on contemplative prayer. In the last episode we looked at how the opposite of the contemplative life is not the active life, but the reactive life. In this episode we consider how silence leads us to justice, to an honest awareness of what is broken, sick, and failing inside of ourselves. Fr Laird is working out the teachings of Jordon of Saxony, a 13th century Augustinian monk who writes, “Through silence a brother begins to cultivate and practice justice by which virtue he is informed so as to live his own life honestly. Not to harm others, and to each each one his due. Such formation as this carries anyone so formed on to the state of perfection. On the other hand, from the breakdown of silence, disturbance of mind arise. Quarrels are borne.”
A simple summary of Jordan of Saxony goes like this: the children of silence: peace of mind and cultivation of justice.
Please sign up to stay informed about the date and times of our two Q&A sessions with Fr Laird here: https://www.invitationpodcast.org/fr-laird-qa-webinar
If you have not already subscribed to the Invitation Podcast, please do so: https://www.invitationpodcast.org/subscribe
It is a gift and honor to serve you through the Invitation Podcast. We hope you are well wherever you are during these difficult times. Peace of Christ!
This episode is part SIX of our journey through Fr Martin Laird's book A Sunlit Absence. Here Josh completes a guided study and practice through chapter two. It is not too late for you to join into this journey especially if you want to join into the webinar Q&A session with Fr Laird. Information and signup to be involved in the Q&A is found here: https://www.invitationpodcast.org/fr-laird-qa-webinar Due to Covid-19 the date and time for the first of these two sessions is TBA. In this time of quarantine and as we face the racism in America, we invite you to contemplation for two reasons: 1. Contemplation is a practice of Divine healing, where the Holy Spirit can have more access to reach the trauma, exhaustion, and despair we are experiencing. 2. Contemplation is a de-centering practice that open us to listen to God, and others, especially open to see how we are complicit in racism and in other arenas of sin. For more help with facing racism, please visit: https://www.invitationpodcast.org/facing-racism
In the context of the growing race protests across America, Josh checks in with one of his favorite conversation partners, Chris Hoke of Underground Ministries in the Skagit Valley of Washington State. Chris initially appeared in episode 19 in January of 2018. Chris has been a prison chaplain and now also is involved connecting former convicts with local churches. Josh especially wanted to reach out to Chris to discuss the question of race after the killing of George Floyd. Chris will become a regular monthly contributor to the Invitation Podcast to help create conversation that connects the dots between deep, spiritual formation and the outcasts of America's industrial incarceration system. ALSO, we are continuing our journey with Fr Martin Laird's A Sunlit Absence this summer. Sign up for our two webinar Q&A sessions with him at www.invitationpodcast.org/fr-laird-qa-webinar
To introduce Part V of our journey through Fr Martin Laird's A Sunlit Absence, Josh takes a moment to wrestle with the point of contemplative prayer in the midst of America's current racial upheaval. The two main gifts of contemplation for us as we heal of our racism is: 1. contemplation is divine therapy. It is a safe place to rest, to find healing, and to draw in the life of God as we continue in these very difficult race conversations and continue in our protesting. 2. Contemplation can lead to the de-centering that is necessary to see ourselves, to see our own contribution to the racism of America, and to hear, listen and see our black and brown brothers and sisters.
Read more about this episode on our website: https://www.invitationpodcast.org/
While protests continue to erupt across America, we continue here on a journey into contemplative prayer knowing that contemplation is not an escape from the brokenness around us. Contemplation is not a comfortable way of hiding from the justice that we should all be crying out for today either. Contemplation will deepen and clarify our understanding of justice. Contemplation will help us identify each of our own unique responses to the crises that beset us, and contemplation will also help sustain and nourish our much needed activism to address the racism that continues to have a stranglehold on us. In fact, it may only be via contemplation that you are freed from your ego long enough to catch a glimpse of how you are contributing to the oppression of the marginalized and are a part of the problem!
In this fourth episode working through Fr Martin Laird’s book, A Sunlit Absence, we finish up chapter one and should by now have a working definition of contemplation. In this episode we consider how through practice, the mechanical nature of this prayer movement will eventually become familiar and more graceful.
The exciting news is that Fr Laird has committed to two separate Q & A sessions with Invitation podcast listeners. The specific details are being worked out, but the idea is to meet with Fr Laird after chapter four and then again at the end of the book which will likely take us through most of July 2020. It isn’t too late to dive into this valuable book and for you to come up with your own questions that you may very well be able to ask Fr Laird yourself. If you haven’t already, please subscribe so that we can contact you with the further details about these two online events. https://www.invitationpodcast.org/subscribe
Also, in this episode Josh mentions his song, “Silence.” The song can be found at the end of the episode, at 22:40. This is a more recent version of the song that includes Josh’s wife, Susanna Childress as well as strings performed by Jared Demeester.
The greatest gift you can offer back the invitation is to invite a friend to the Invitation. Please share the Invitation!
If the Invitation has been of help to you, and if you would like to see the Invitation grow sustainably, your financial help is much appreciated. https://www.invitationpodcast.org/donations
Peace of Christ to you in these very bewildering times. Amen.
This third instalment of our journey through A Sunlit Absence by Fr Marin Laird continues in chapter one. Chapter one is a summary of Laird's previous book, Entering the Silent Land. The intention here is to offer a substantial definition of contemplation as well as offering some practical descriptions of how contemplation is practiced. Bless you for continuing on this journey. May you be blessed even in the midst of this covid pandemic. Subscribe to this podcast to stay updated when new episodes, classes, and retreats are made available www.invitationpodcast.org/subscribe
Part two of a journey of guided prayer, reading, and commentary through A Sunlit Absence by Fr Martin Laird. Buy your own copy of the book and read more in-depth on your own or access the journey through this transformative book with the podcast. A new episode will be offered every second or third day. Questions and comments are welcome. Email josh at invitationpodcast dot org. If you have not already subscribed, please join the journey www.invitationpodcast.org/subscribe Peace of Christ to you during this quarantine wilderness.
One sentiment offered on social media this past week went something like this: “let's not return to normal. Normal wasn't working. If we try to return to normal, we won't have learned the costly lesson." This is the truth of all transformation. COVID 19 is just a very severe, collective opportunity for us to move beyond "normal." This episode no. 48 is the first of a new series of reading, studying, and praying through Fr Martin Laird’s book A Sunlit Absence. Fr Laird helps us reform a consciousness that can embrace the transformation that is at hand. You are invited to buy the book to follow along in your own reading or to simply listen and pray with the podcast. If you have not subscribed yet to the podcast, please join the journey https://www.invitationpodcast.org/subscribe And also, please consider inviting someone to the Invitation. Let someone know about the goodness of going deeper with God with the Invitation Podcast. Peace of Christ to you during this troubling time wherever you are in the world.
This episode turned out to be two meditations, connected to each other but each worth separate listens. First, Josh walks through some questions for us to consider regarding our experience of being in quarantine. How free are you to accept the trauma of this crisis and to talk to God about your suffering? Then, at around 12 mins in, the episode moves on to Nathan Foster of Renovare guiding a prayer through Psalm 19:14, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, my Rock and Redeemer." This is an invaluable prayer to direct our hearts and mind while we are in the midst of this pandemic. May you be blessed in your prayer. Please subscribe to this podcast and share it with someone! https://www.invitationpodcast.org/subscribe
It's hard to sit still in the midst of confinement and suffering. You are not alone in your struggle. This episode is a re-release of guided prayer through Psalm 131 by Nathan Foster from 2018. We will also be posting a meditation on Psalm 19:14 he also offered in 2018 but was never released. More prayer resources to come soon!
In the midst of our current crisis, I'm re-releasing a guided meditation on Ecclesiastes chapter 3 originally released on Dec 2, 2017. One-third of the Psalms are psalms of lament, yet most of us recoil from speaking honestly with God about our questions, anger, pain, and disappointment. Surely this is a time where we especially need the sacred space of lament. We need to give ourselves and each other permission to speak to God freely and honestly. The peace of Christ to you during this crisis. Please subscribe to the Invitation so that we can keep you updated about new episodes, retreats, classes, and other events. https://www.invitationpodcast.org/subscribe
In the midst of this bizarre, unsettling spread of covid-19, we invite you to continue on your Lenten journey with this episode on chanting the Psalms. Here in episode no. 44, Josh has a discussion with Lacy Finn Borgo of Good Dirt Ministries and Renovare about how singing the Psalms can get this holy, prayer book of the Scriptures into our bodies. What a great help for us always and especially as we face our current trials, to have the vocabulary of the Psalms deep inside of us to help us speak honestly with God! Included in this episode is a recording of a Fuller Seminary, DMin in spiritual direction cohort chanting on September 27, 2017. Audio of the full-length of their chanting of Psalms 67, 25 & 26 led by Lacy is available at www.invitationpodcast.org/downloads The book Josh mentions in this episode is The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk. Also, please check out Lacy’s new book: Spiritual Conversations with Children: Listening to God Together. It is an encouraging, inspiring, and practically helpful way for us to nurture faith in our children and is sure to become a lifegiving resource to parents, aunts and uncles, grandparents, and anyone ministering to children. Thanks for listening and joining The Invitation on a journey deeper into the life and love of God. It is an honor to create with you time and space for God. Please subscribe to the Invitation and stay updated on new releases as well as the classes and retreats offered by the Invitation. www.invitationpodcast.org/subscribe If the Invitation has been fruitful in your life, please share the podcast with a friend, consider a one-time donation, or become a sustaining donor by visiting www.invitationpodcast.org/donations Peace of Christ to you!
We had intended to release an episode on chanting the Psalms next with Lacy Finn Borgo, but this liturgy led by Maple Avenue Ministries member, AJ Westendorp was too good not to sneak in and share with you. AJ is a former college football player, a Gutamala missionary and is now on staff with Escape Ministries in Holland, MI as well as employed at a local juvenile detention center. Finally, AJ also is a volunteer who joins Josh in the prison prayer practices on Saturdays in Muskegon, MI. Before offering the Lenten liturgy, Josh shares some of his conversation with AJ to help you get to know AJ and to explore the reason why spending time with and befriending “the least of these” is at the core of the Gospel and why it’s a practice we would recommend to you for you journey through Lent. "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6) We also encourage you to go back and listen to episode 39, Josh’s conversation with the Rev. Dr. Denise Kingdom Grier, Josh and AJ’s pastor. By listening to bother episodes you will discover the similarities between Advent and Lent as a time of preparation with an emphasis on God’s love of the poor. The opening reading of this liturgy is from Roddy Hamilton of the Church of Scotland. The liturgy begins at 12 mins into the episode. Please consider subscribing to the invitationpodcast.org Your financial contributions help us create this spiritual formation resource for you. Please consider making a donation today at invitationpodcast.org/donations Thanks for listening!
In episode 42 David Taylor, assistant professor of theology and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary, shares from his forthcoming book, Open and Unafraid: The Psalms as a Guide to Life. David is one of the many people who have befriended and inspired Josh over the span of many years. Here Josh and David focus on praying the Psalms in a way that will get inside of our bodies, to transform and heal us to become whole.
This long-format retreat is an audio adaptation of an expanded version Invitation's prayer guide, "40 Ways to Spend 5-Minutes with God." Here just follows a lectio divina style structure using Ephesians 2 and Matthew 6 offering reflections, questions as prompts for prayer, and extended sections of original meditative music to help you explore the depths of prayer. The original prayer guide, “40 Ways to Spend 5-Minutes with God” can be found at https://www.invitationpodcast.org/downloads The expanded, short prayer book version of the prayer guide is titled Deeper Living Space and is a work in progress. The music in this episode is created by Josh and many of his former Hope College Students as well as some friends from Oklahoma City. Artwork is a creative interpretation of the Invitation logo by Samantha Kadzban. Please subscribe, share the podcast with others, and consider helping us financially: https://www.invitationpodcast.org/donations Thanks for listening!
This is the second in a new collaborative series with the Dominican Center on the role of contemplative spirituality and spiritual direction in the context of the local church. In this public conversation hosted by the Dominican Center on Nov 13, 2019, Josh is joined by Sr Diane Zerfas and Dr Chuck DeGroat. When many are reporting the decline in church attendance, should we be alarmed? How are the signs of the times inspiring a return to deeper prayer practices? What are some specific things local churches can do to help us go deeper? These questions and more are discussed with the questions and contributions of those who gathered that day. www.dominicancenter.com www.chuckdegroat.net and be sure to subscribe to the Invitation Podcast at www.invitationpodcast.org
Advent is a season many churched Christians are relatively numb to. We struggle to enter into the deeper richness of longing and waiting. In this episode, we move from the Rev. Dr. Denise Kingdom Grier's sermon on the first Sunday of Advent to a follow-up conversation on becoming poor as we wait with expectation and eagerness for the coming of our King!
This update episode is way overdue. I miss you, so I'm finally reaching out to get you caught up on all that's been happening with the Invitation. At the end of this update, I offer a brief meditation on a timely word from The Sayings of the Desert Fathers, specifically a conversation between John the Dwarf and Abba Poemen (pictured above).
It's Giving Tuesday! I would sincerely appreciate your financial support. Donatations can be made at www.invitationpodcast.org/donations
Part II of our conversation with Ruth Haley Barton is the closing Q & A session that will especially be interesting to pastors and nonprofit leaders. However, Ruth also speaks specifically to anyone who has had to go outside of her community even for a season, someone who has lost her bearings in the church not because she has lost her faith but because the Spirit is leading her to deeper surrender and freedom in the love of God. Josh offers a guided prayer after the Q & A for those discerning what is next for their organizations. Then there is also a second movement of guided meditation for those who have had to move away from the safety of their faith communities. This episode is a collaboration with the Dominican Center of Grand Rapids, MI. Please visit www.dominicancenter.com for more information, and subscribe to the Invitation Podcast at www.invitationpodcast.org
This is Part One of two episodes that document an extended conversation with author, spiritual director, teacher, and retreat leader Ruth Haley Barton. This episode also marks the beginning of a new collaboration between the Invitation and the Dominican Center, a ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids, MI. On a snow and ice covered January 19, 2019 evening Josh and a group of church and nonprofit leaders met at the Dominican Center to be led by Ruth in prayer and to discuss spiritual transformation. Please visit www.dominicancenter.com for more information, and subscribe to the Invitation Podcast at www.invitationpodcast.org
Retreat leader, spiritual director, and author Sharon Garlough Brown helps us consider the spiritual disciplines that Jesus practiced by walking us through Mark 1:35-38 in prayer and meditation. Be sure to visit her site: www.sensibleshoesclub.com to learn more about what Sharon has to offer. Also, subscribe to the Invitation at www.invitationpodcast.org so that you can be updated when new materials are available and when new events are announced. This episode features music one song by Travis Kingma that will be included on the instrumental music compilation that will soon be available for you! Thanks for listening.
This is the introductory episode in a new collaboration with The Awakening, a week-long, summer worship and arts experience for high school students. In this episode Josh engages a group of the Awakening students to consider the unique gift of a teenager's spiritual journey. In the posture of spiritual direction, we don't bring Jesus to the high school student. Instead, we join the student to discover Jesus in and through vulnerability. More info about the Awakening: https://tinyurl.com/y9uk7q23 Also, a public spiritual conversation with Ruth Haley Barton at Dominican Center: https://tinyurl.com/yd44anud AND...the Invitation's 3rd Annual Contemplative Prayer Retreat Feb 11 & 12 here in Holland, MI: https://tinyurl.com/yam9gt47 Be sure to subscribe to the Invitation at www.invitationpodcast.org Peace Peace & Big Love!
Micah Matthews recently finished and MFA in fiction at Warren Wilson. This episode is his audio essay where he describes his visits to the prison with Josh. These visits cause Micah to reflect on the spiritual good of going outside of his comfort. Without permission to take microphones and cameras into the prison, this essay is the next best way for you to come inside to taste and see the movements of the Holy Spirit in a prison. The Invitation is in the midst of a Kickstarter campaign to raise money to cover our capital budget. Please consider contributing financially so that we can create more creative spiritual formation content like this for you. https://tinyurl.com/y9gqmnha Subscribe to the Invitation Podcast at invitationpodcast.org Thanks for joining this journey with us!
In this update episode, a Hasidic tale from Heschel helps us understand the Spirit's invitation to find the treasure right here in front of ourselves, right at home. We are on the eve of #GivingTuesday. If you haven't had a chance to watch our Kickstarter video, please do. https://tinyurl.com/y9gqmnhaA We hope you can catch onto the larger vision of what the Invitation is up to as a nonprofit connecting the prison to the local church parish through spiritual direction and this podcast. If you have means, please support the Kickstarter campaign as it raises money to fund our capital budget, money that will help us efficiently and creatively offer you spiritual formation resources on a more consistent basis. Share the Invitation with your people, and pray for us on this crazy journey of trusting God. Peace & Love of Jesus to you! The picture of this episode is the home of what we are calling 'Cloudstreet' as it is under snowy construction. Cloudstreet will be the hub of our practice of spiritual direction, a retreat space, and a production space!!!
This conversation with Jonathan proves to be a "wild one" in the sense that Jonathan Wilson Hartgrove leads us into the wilderness of race politics in America. Josh offers a hearty introduction to this conversation encouraging you to enter into this wilderness desert for the sake of loving God with your strength for the sake of righteousness, which is justice." This episode is a challenging invitation for you to bring your politics under the Lordship of Jesus no matter your political leanings and affiliations. Can we trust the Spirit to lead us into the wilderness, to brave this political storm growing our faith to believe yes, everything is going to be alright?
In this episode Josh reads a short meditation written by Jordan Bruxvoort, director of the Naomi Project in Sioux Falls, SD. This episode is a continuation of the rhythms and questions of the Summer Retreat: what is the unique gift of the seasons in our spiritual formation? This meditation resonates well with prayer exercise #25 from the guide "40 Ways to Spend Five-Minutes with God" that can be found at https://www.invitationpodcast.org/downloads/ This meditation closes with the poem, "What is Written on the Leaves" by Michigan poet, Robert Fanning. Be sure to check out Jordan's good work helping faith communities engage worker's rights: http://projectofnaomi.org Subscribe to the Invitation Podcast by visiting http://invitationpodcast.org Thanks for listening! We appreciate your friendship and support!
In this episode Josh shares a spiritual conversation with Trevor Hudson, a Methodist minister and spiritual director based in South Africa. They especially discuss the difficult and often heartbreaking work of discerning God's will. Trevor's special area of study and teaching is the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the Protestant philosopher and spiritual author, Dallas Willard. In this conversation Trevor offers special insight into the uniqueness of his Wesleyan tradition and how it integrates with the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius. If you have not yet subscribed, please visit www.invitationpodcast.org to join our mailing list that will keep you informed about what is available through the Invitation. Thanks for listening and joining us on this journey of faith. Peace of Christ!
This is the final movement of the Summer Retreat 2018, a retreat on loving God with all your strength. Sadly this episode does not include a conversation with our friends who have been in conversations throughout the summer. This episode uses a lectio divina format using the Message translation of Romans 12:1-2. The focus question is how does love for God in the heart, mind and soul become tangible and concrete through action. How can love become active in my daily life? With the end of this summer experiment and now that we are officially a not for profit, the Invitation is moving into a season of fundraising with a kickstarter campaign launched later in the Fall while also searching for long-term, sustaining supporters. If the Invitation has been of help to you and if you believe it will be of help to others, please subscribe to the podcast, help spread the word about the Invitation and about the crowd-funding with kickstarter, join us in spiritual friendship, and become a sustaining supporter! See invitationpodcast.org to subscribe and stay in the loop! Peace & Love of Jesus to you!
Josh meets again with a small group of young church leaders to discuss soul-spirituality in the fifth movement of the Summer Retreat 2018. These friends attempt to define the soul, describe spiritual practices that especially nourish the soul, and they consider the many layers of resistance that keep us from our souls. This intimate and candid conversation is intended to be a soul practice itself for you to join into in your own way prayerfully considering how to be open to Jesus in the deeper regions of your own self. Please feel free to write josh @ invitationpodcast.org to share your experience with the Summer Retreat 2018 or to ask any questions. The Prayer Guide “40-Ways to Spend Five Minutes With God” is available for further insight into the heart, mind, soul, and strength and is available at invitationpodcast.org/downloads.
In part four of the Summer Retreat 2018, Josh engages five friends who have served in local churches to explore a spirituality of the mind. This episode attempts to offer you a retreat experience wherever you are in the world. We begin with the standard three readings of a lectio divia practice praying Hosea 6. In the second half of the retreat, Josh offers 10 minutes of teaching on the mind. His friends reflect on their own knowledge of their minds, how their minds do or don't help them worship and pray. Stay tuned for the next movement of the summer retreat, prayers of the soul. Also, you can find free music downloads of some of the music used in the retreats here: invitationpodcast.org/music/. And you can find download resources on the prayer of examen and the prayer guide, "40-Ways to Spend Five Minutes with God" here at this link: www.invitationpodcast.org/downloads/
In this part three of the summer retreat 2018 Josh engages four friends who have served in local churches to explore prayers of the heart. This episode attempts to offer you a retreat experience wherever you are in the world. We begin with the standard three readings of a lectio divia practice praying Hosea 6. In the second half of the retreat, Josh offers 10 minutes of teaching on the heart, what it is, how it relates to our other internal faculties of the mind, the soul, spirit, and will. Stay tuned for the next movement of the summer retreat, prayers of the mind. Also, you can find free music downloads of some of the music used in the retreats here: invitationpodcast.org/music/. And you can find download resources on the prayer of examen and the prayer guide, "40-Ways to Spend Five Minutes with God" here at this link: https://www.invitationpodcast.org/downloads/
This episode, Part Two of the Introduction to the Summer Retreat 2018, is a conversation with Chuck DeGroat, Professor of Pastoral Care and Christian Spirituality at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI. The Summer Retreat is a journey through prayers of the heart, mind, soul, and strength. These two introductory episodes first consider questions around loving God with “all,” questions of Wholeheartedness, the title of Chuck’s book. Josh and Chuck discuss this book while also beginning to map out what a spirituality of summer might involve: being present and aware in counter-cultural ways that disrupt rhythms of busyness, rush and fragmentation. In the opening of this episode, Josh asks listeners to be patient with the necessary intimidations of going on retreat to approach God. On one hand the Invitation seeks to be an approachable path toward prayer, a safe and hopeful space. Yet on the other, prayer is interaction with the Living God whose love is enormous and by nature, intimidating. As Mr. Tumnus spoke to Lucy about Aslan in the Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe, “He’s not safe but he’s good.” The summer retreat intends two movements: 1. to help you learn more about your own unique spirituality type—your call to prayer. And 2. it also intends to help you stretch beyond yourself to gain a more vast knowledge of God as beautiful and holy, closer to us than we are to ourselves (St. Augustine) yet beyond our understanding. Stay tuned for the next episode, a spiritual conversation with a group of younger pastors to discuss prayers of the heart.
Welcome to the Summer Retreat 2018 Part One. In this episode Josh describes the extended prayer experience through praying with the heart, mind, soul, and strength. The two goals of this retreat are to identify your own personal spirituality and then to stretch beyond that prayer toward wholeness, to integrate into holiness. As we prepare for this summer experience Josh guides us through praying a section of C.S. Lewis' famous sermon, "The Weight of Glory." Indeed its not that our desires are too strong but that they are too weak. Stay tuned. The Introduction Part Two of the Summer Retreat 2018 is a spiritual conversation with Chuck DeGroat mostly about his book, Wholeheartedness: Busyness, Exhaustion, and Healing the Divided Self. A free song is available for download at invitationpodcast.org/music/
This is an update episode to invite you to go deeper with the Invitation Podcast by: 1. joining a summer-long, multi-episode retreat through the shema (Deut 6; Mark 12)of loving God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength; and 2. to become a sustaining member of the Invitation as it seeks to become a non-profit. Here Josh shares the story of how he got into spiritual direction, started this podcast, became involved in the prison prayer practices...and how all these pieces fit together into a non-profit! Please subscribe to make sure you can download a free song, "Silence" that Josh and his wife, Susanna Childress (aka Ordinary Neighbors) recorded for the podcast.
Nathan Foster offers this guided prayer through Psalm 131 as part of Renovaré's month on meditation through March. This retreat is a co-release with our friends over at Renovaré. To participate in their other offerings especially this month visit www.renovare.org/podcast. There you will find a tremendous amount of resources to help you in your spiritual journey. Also, be sure to subscribe to the Invitation Podcast by visiting www.invitationpodcast.org! Stay tuned for more information about the Invitation's summer retreat. Peace, peace, more peace & love.
This short meditation is a response to #6 from the prayer guide, "40 Ways to Spend Five Minutes With God" that can be found on the resource page at www.invitationpodcast.org Josh borrows from a section of a conversation he recently had with writer, pastor, and activist Jonathan Wilson Hartgrove where Jonathan describes prayer as "begging." The full conversation with Jonathan is coming soon. Be sure to sign up for the Invitation mailing list on our website!
Josh sits down with the two collaborators of www.undergroundministries.org, Chris Hoke and Neaners Garcia. They reflect on the strange gift of solitude, a gift even for inmates who are willing to open themselves to the healing love of Jesus. Neaners and Chris tell their story of meeting in the prison and learning how to pray inside the prison. Can people be transformed? Can I be transformed? Do I want to be transformed? Readings from Ray Leonardini's essay, "What No Bars Can Hold." visit www.uspcf.org to learn more about Ray's Contemplative Prison Fellowship. Other readings from Chris Hoke's book, Wanted: A Spiritual Pursuit Through Jail, Among Outlaws, and Across Borders.
Josh recites a Meditation on Isaiah 9 for advent. This 5 Minute Prayer is based on #13 from the prayer guide, "40 Ways to Spend Five Minutes With God." The text of the Mediation and the prayer guide can be found on the resources page at invitaitonpodcast.org
This guided prayer retreat is a journey through lamentation to discover God in the deeper, painful, often hidden places inside of ourselves. The retreat is laid out in the structure of 'lectio divina' with three readings of the classic text of Ecclesiastes 3:2-8. Original music with help from Jared DeMeester and Josh Holicki.
Josh has a conversation with Christopher Hall, president of Renovare and one of the three lead instructors of Josh's doctorate of ministry cohort in spiritual direction, a degree program through Fuller Seminary. Chris and Josh focus on the question of inner transformation, if it is possible and whether we believe in transformation. Chris draws especially from his expertise in desert spirituality to help us consider how to step into transformative "learning spaces," spaces where we acquire the character of Jesus.
This is prayer exercise #41 from the prayer guide, "40 Ways to Spend Five Minutes with God," available at invitationpodcast.org. Listen and discover why there are 41 prayer practices and not just 40. A brief reading is offered from G.K. Chesterton's book, Orthodoxy.
In this long format retreat Nathan Foster of Renovaré uses a reading from the 14th Century British mystic Julian of Norwich in a guided prayer. He uses several statements of how "God's wishes" us to pursue him. Visit renovare.org for more resources from Nathan and several other helpful teachers.
This is prayer exercise #26 from the prayer guide, "40 Ways to Spend Five Minutes with God," available at invitationpodcast.org. Listen to and join a prayer written by Teilhard de Chardin, a 20th century Jesuit paleontologist. Instrumental sounds by Josh Banner
In this conversation Josh and Nathan discuss spiritual disciplines, the six streams of spirituality celebrated by Renovaré, ecumenicism, mysticism, and parenting. How indeed do we help anyone, especially our own children grow spiritually? Josh introduces this conversation with a longer 'audio essay' on his own history with books by Nathan's father, Richard Foster and how Richard Foster and Dallas Willard continue to be sources of help and inspiration as he grows as a spiritual director. Feel free to skip ahead (approx 15 mins in) directly to the conversation with Nathan if you'd like. Also, you are invited to listen to Nathan's interview of Josh on the Renovaré site, www.renovare.org/podcast In that interview Josh talks about the development of the Invitation Podcast and his work in contemplative prayer outreach in a prison. Stay tuned for a long form retreat led by Nathan available later this summer!
This is prayer exercise #14 from the prayer guide, "40 Ways to Spend Five Minutes with God," available at invitationpodcast.org. If this short format leaves you wanting more guidance in prayer, please try out one of our first three episodes. A new long format retreat led by Nathan Foster of Renovare and an interview with Nathan will be available soon. The definitions of meditation, or 'haga' in Hebrew are from Eugene Peterson's book, Eat this Book: A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading page 2. Thanks for listening. Please write a review of this podcast on iTunes, subscribe, join our mailing list, and visit our website to find the prayer guide. Peace of Christ to you!
Josh managed to get an hour with recording artists Josh Garrels and John Mark McMillan in the afternoon before they performed a concert at Hope College. They discuss the charismatic, Evangelical, and Catholic church; aesthetic care of worship and worship spaces; reading the Bible for what it actually says; family disciplines and Sabbath keeping, creating more space for God with exercise, when to set aside our screens and be closer to each other. Of course there is discussion about their creative process in writing music and who they are reading: Dylan Thomas, Wendell Berry, AW Tozer, Eugene Peterson, Richard Rohr, Richard Foster, and Dallas Willard.
Closing song, "Ps 23" by Zach Winters used by permission. Visit www.zachwintersmusic.com and support his kickstarter campaign!
This episode is the first in our new five minute format. This is prayer exercise #4 from the prayer guide, "40 Ways to Spend Five Minutes with God," available at invitationpodcast.org. Be sure to get out something to write with for this guided prayer. If you have interest in writing and recording a five minute prayer exercise, please consult the prayer guide and then contact josh@invitationpodcast.org The closing song, "Psalm 23:1-2" is used with permission from www.theversesproject.com and Zach Winters.
In this episode Josh offers two updates in a reflective meditation, a kind of short retreat. If you are interested in the Feb 7-8 church leader's contemplative retreat, send him an email (josh at harderwyk dot com). Josh also explains his decision to step down from his position at Harderwyk. Huge thanks to the leaders at that church and to all the people as well. Listen to find out more. A new, proper website will be online soon. Stay tuned for more conversations and retreats coming soon!
Josh sits down with spiritual director and author Sharon Garlough Brown (www.sensibleshoes.com) at the Dominican Center in Grand Rapids, MI. They discuss Sharon's journey into spiritual direction, the story behind her Sensible Shoes books, Ignatian Spirituality, the missional church, Henri Nouwen, Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, the disciplines of silence, lectio divina, journaling, Scripture meditation, and Sabbath keeping. Sharon also recites a section of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's poem "Aurora Leigh."
Josh is visited by his long-time friend Brad Kilman, a worship leader and songwriter from Oklahoma City. They discuss spiritual friendship, the similarities between worship leading and spiritual direction, songwriting, their first experiences in a recording studio, spiritual listening, dealing with ego in leadership, Taizé, and the enneagram. www.bradkilman.com Also check out www.theversesproject.com to find more of Brad's music. The next interview will be with author, Sharon Garlough Brown in anticipation of a contemplative prayer retreat for church leaders she will be co-leading with Josh February 7-8. Then we will begin releasing a new five-minute retreat format that will correspond to Josh's prayer guide, "Forty Ways to Spend Five-Minutes With God." At the end of this episode you can hear a bit of a song based on Psalm 103 written by Brad and recorded in a cabin during their time in a cabin near Three Rivers, MI.
For the first Invitation Podcast interview, Josh sits down with his spiritual director, Joseph Byrd OLF. As with any conversation with Joseph, prepare yourself to hang on tight to the dynamic spiritual ‘flow’ of this conversation. Topics covered are prayer, suffering, waking to God as if from a dream, music, prison outreach, CS Lewis, Dallas Willard, Teilhard de Chardin, St. Ignatius, St. Francis of Assisi, Isaac of Nineveh, Evelyn Underhill and more. Most importantly, this discussion demonstrates the rich spiritual friendship between Josh and Joseph that spills over into their two years of going to the EC Brooks Correctional Facility in Muskegon MI to train a group of inmates to become spiritual directors. For more information on Joseph visit: zionholland.com/joseph-page Upcoming: Conversation #2 with worship leader/songwriter, Brad Kilman.
"I will come in to you to eat with you, and you with me."
How do we sit down and participate in the greater pleasures of God? This retreat slowly and carefully guides you through Scripture, quotes from great authors (Fredrick Buechner, Origen, Theophan the Recluse), and questions for you to consider, all to help you become more familiar with God in prayer.
Music: “Save My Life” Josh Banner 1999 “Always Faithful” by Brad Kilman www.bradkilman.com "Silence" Josh Banner and Susanna Childress 1999 Josh with Jared DeMeester (uke & upright bass) Other sound design by Josh (rhodes w/ fx) & Josh Holicki (snare) “Light of Jesus” Instrumental Josh Banner
This second 'retreat' of the Invitation considers what it means to search for God with your whole heart and to find him. Jeremiah 29:12-14 is read three times in the format of lectio divina. Thoughts and questions are shared throughout to guide your time of prayer.
Music: “Save My Life” Josh Banner 1999 “Always Faithful” by Brad Kilman www.bradkilman.com Josh with Jared DeMeester (uke & upright bass) Other sound design by Josh (rhodes w/ fx) with Mike Reynolds (synths) & Josh Holicki (snare) “Light of Jesus” Instrumental Josh Banner Citation: “God is closer to you than you are to yourself” found in a prayer by Karl Rahner. Also see: Francis de Sales’s The Love of God 10.10, trans. Vincent Kearns (Westminster: Newman Press, 1962), pp. 428-429 andAugustine, Confessions 3.6.11, trans. Henry Chadwick (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991), p. 43.
With all the lovely and encouraging feedback on episode, here is an update as we prepare episodes 2 and 3. Also, there is a brief description of the Invitation Summer Retreat 2016, "Developing a Conversational Relationship With God" that starts May 4. You are invited to participate! For more information visit www.harderwyk.com/spiritual-formation
This first episode is an introduction to spiritual formation and meditation on Matthew 11:28-30.