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In this Pentecost-themed chapel service from Springfield Regional Medical Center, Chaplain Rick Lee James leads a gentle time of worship, prayer, and sacred listening through the ancient practice of Lectio Divina. Reflecting on Acts 2 and the coming of the Holy Spirit, this service invites patients, families, caregivers, and listeners alike to slow down, listen deeply, and consider what word, invitation, or stirring God might be speaking into their lives today. Featuring music including “Fire” and “I Then Shall Live,” this quiet reflection centers on hope, compassion, understanding, and the Spirit’s power to bring people together across every difference.

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Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 623: Hank and Henry Spaulding

On this episode of Voices in My Head, I’m joined by theologian Hank Spaulding and his father for a conversation that spans three powerful and deeply connected books: The Gospel of the Incarcerated Christ, The Rhythm of Grace, and Between Two Gileads.

Together, these works explore some of the most pressing questions facing the church today. What does it mean that Jesus was executed as a criminal? What if holiness is less about performance and more about grace? And how should we respond when Scripture is used not to heal, but to justify power and control?

From reflections on incarceration and justice…to a reimagining of holiness through beauty and grace…to a thoughtful critique of Christian nationalism and the misuse of passages like Romans 13, this conversation invites us to take a deeper look at the kind of faith we’re living and the kind of people we’re becoming.

It’s honest, challenging, and ultimately hopeful.

Find the book they wrote together here: https://wipfandstock.com/9798385242016/the-rhythm-of-grace/

Bonus: See Hank speak at the 2025 Karl Barth Conference here

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AudiobookOut of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible):Audiobook Link

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Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 622: Ginny Owens Brings A Different Kind of Water

In this episode of Voices in My Head, I sit down with Ginny Owens to talk about her new EP Different Kind of Water, the creative journey behind her music, and the deeper spiritual questions woven throughout her songs. We explore themes of longing, letting go, faith conversations with those who believe differently, and how seasons of dryness can actually lead to meaningful creativity. Ginny also shares about life and ministry in New York City, the diverse musical influences shaping her work, and her upcoming book on courageous compassion and living out justice and mercy. It’s a rich, honest conversation about faith, artistry, and the courage it takes to keep seeking what truly satisfies.

Listen to Ginny’s newest EP, Different Kind of Water.

Different Kind of Water is an intimate look into Ginny’s life, faith, and music. With songs that inspire and encourage, Different Kind of Water is sure to connect with listeners, no matter where they are on their journey.

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Music & MerchBandcamp (music + merch): RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.comStreaming: Search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform or on Spotify https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa

AudiobookOut of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible):Audiobook Link

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Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 621: In Praise of Job’s Friends

In this week’s episode, I’m sharing a chapel service I recently recorded at Springfield Regional Medical Center, where I offer a reflection on the story of Job—especially focusing on his friends, who I believe deserve a little more grace than they often receive. Together, we explore what it means to sit with others in their suffering without trying to fix or explain it away, and I talk about the power of simple presence—what we in chaplaincy call the ministry of presence. Through scripture, song, and prayer, I invite you to consider where you might be called to listen more deeply, speak less quickly, and simply be with others in their pain.

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Music & MerchBandcamp (music + merch): RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.comStreaming: Search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform or on Spotify https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa

AudiobookOut of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible):Audiobook Link

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Truth, Justice, and the Way - Episode 9: When Ideals Fall Short: Superman, Racism, and the Stories We Tell

In this episode of Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality, we examine the tension between the ideals we claim and the ways we sometimes fail to live them out—both in the world of Superman and in our own lives. Together, we explore how the history of DC Comics reflects both harmful racial stereotypes and meaningful attempts at justice, and how those same contradictions can be found in our faith communities and personal experiences. Rather than pointing fingers, we reflect on the shared human tendency to fall short of our highest values—and the invitation to grow, to name what’s broken, and to move toward something better with humility, courage, and compassion.

Listeners are encouraged to write in with thoughts, stories, or reflections through Substack, email ([email protected]), or Twitter (SupermanAlways aka @RickLeeJames4).

Wishing all who celebrate a meaningful and grateful Thanksgiving.

Listen now on Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality.

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Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 620: Beyond the Image: Where Is Jesus Really Found?

In this brief, early-morning episode of Voices in My Head, I reflect on the controversy surrounding an AI-generated image depicting Donald Trump in a Christ-like role, and why, while it’s troubling, it may not be the biggest issue we should be concerned about. I talk about how easy it is to get caught up in outrage, especially within our media echo chambers, while missing the deeper call of Jesus to care for the hungry, the poor, and the vulnerable—people I encounter every day in my work as a hospital chaplain. Rather than taking a partisan stance, I offer a pastoral challenge to all of us, myself included: to examine whether our lives actually reflect the love and humility of Christ, and to make sure we’re not so focused on images and symbols that we miss where Jesus says he truly is—among those most in need.

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AudiobookOut of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible):Audiobook Link

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Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 619: I Cheerfully Refuse

In this solo episode of Voices in My Head, I reflect on rest, recovery, and the quiet joy of being newly certified as a chaplain after years of work. I also share a heartfelt recommendation of I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger—a novel set in a broken world that somehow still points toward hope. Through story and reflection, this episode explores what it means to “cheerfully refuse” despair, choosing instead to live as people of hope, even in chaotic and uncertain times.

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Music & MerchBandcamp (music + merch): RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.comStreaming: Search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform or on Spotify https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa

AudiobookOut of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible):Audiobook Link

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Hosted byRick Lee James — Voices in My Head Podcast

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Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 618: Heaven Is Full of Criminals (A Fifth Week of Lent Reflection)

In Episode 618 of Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast), Rick Lee James shares a message recorded live during a hospital chapel service in the fifth week of Lent. Reflecting on Jesus’ parable of the workers in the vineyard and the story of the thief on the cross, Rick explores the surprising and often uncomfortable truth that God’s kingdom isn’t built on fairness—but on radical generosity. Through humor, scripture, and an original song titled Heaven Is Full of Criminals, this episode invites listeners to consider what it means to be chosen, even at the last hour, and reminds us that grace is not earned—it is given. Whether you feel overlooked, late to the story, or simply in need of hope, this message offers a powerful reminder: there is still room for you.

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AudiobookOut of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible):Audiobook Link

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Hosted byRick Lee James — Voices in My Head Podcast

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Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 617: A Big Week: 10 Years of Hymns & Becoming a Chaplain

In this episode, I share an update on a pretty significant week—reflecting on the 10-year anniversary of my album Hymns, Prayers, and Invitations and walking through what it actually takes to become a certified hospital chaplain. I talk about the long process, the interview, and what this milestone means moving forward, along with a few thoughts on calling, preparation, and what’s next for the podcast.

Connect with Rick Lee James

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Music & MerchBandcamp (music + merch): RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.comStreaming: Search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform or on Spotify https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa

AudiobookOut of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible):Audiobook Link

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