This season we invite you to walk through Advent by engaging with the lectionary Scripture readings and listening for what God might want to say through them. In each episode, Ruth and members of the Transforming Center staff will read and reflect on the themes of Cycle C of the Revised Common Lectionary for Advent together.

In this conversation, we discussed the prayers for and of indifference and how we are personally wrestling with them, particularly as we engage with the story of Mary and Elizabeth this week. Ruth uses another one of Drew Jackson’s poems to spark conversation about God’s practice of speaking through the disgraced and marginalized members of society.

Mentioned in this episode:

God Speaks Through Wombs by Drew Jackson

For more on discernment and the Prayer of Indifference see chapter 7 of Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton or Season 1 Episode 7 of the Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership podcast, The Art and Practice of Spiritual Discernment.

Music credit:

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus from Advent Music in Solitude

Mary’s Song of Praise from Advent Music in Solitude

This podcast season is designed to be a companion to this year’s updated Advent Reflections, “Come, Lord Jesus, Come: Walking Through the Advent Season Together, Year C.”  The Advent Bundle includes both the softcover and digital edition of the Advent Reflections and a set of 5 corresponding Advent Liturgies to print out and pray as a family or with others. It is available now in our online store.

This month, $10 Patrons receive a weekly guided audio Lectio Divina practice with one of the passages of scripture from the Revised Common Lectionary. Become a Patron today to receive these practices.

Interested in going further with your own spiritual transformation? We are still accepting applications for Transforming Community 18.