As we conclude our 28 Days of Prayer, we turn our focus to being held by God’s peace and led by His joy. In a moment filled with anticipation and uncertainty, we’re reminded that our confidence rests not in outcomes, decisions, or circumstances, but in the faithful presence of God.

Grounded in Psalm 16:11 and Philippians 4:7, this episode invites us to pray for the peace that surpasses all understanding and the joy that flows from walking closely with the Lord. Together, we’ll spend time in Scripture and guided prayer, asking God to guard our hearts, steady our minds, and anchor our trust in Him.

As we approach the days ahead, may we walk forward united, confident, and hopeful—held by God’s peace and led by His joy.

As we continue our 28 Days of Prayer, this week we focus on being united in Christ and humble in spirit. In a season that requires trust and togetherness, we’re asking God to remove division, pride, and personal agendas, and to bind us together in love, purpose, and truth.

Grounded in 1 Corinthians 1:10 and Ephesians 4:1–3, this episode invites us to reflect on what it means to walk worthy of our calling—choosing humility, patience, and unity for the sake of the Gospel. We’re reminded that unity doesn’t mean uniformity, but a shared commitment to Christ and His mission.

Together, we’ll spend time in Scripture and guided prayer, seeking the Lord’s help to live as one body, strengthened by the bond of peace. As always, we invite you to join us in fasting on Thursdays as we continue to seek God with open hearts.

As we continue our 28 Days of Prayer, this week we focus on trusting the God who knows the way. In a season that requires wisdom and discernment, we’re intentionally setting aside our preferences and plans to seek God’s will above all else.

This episode invites us to pray for clarity, humility, and surrender as Fellowship West and Open Door consider the possibility of merging. Grounded in Jeremiah 29:11 and 1 Corinthians 2:9, we’re reminded that God’s plans are good, His wisdom is higher, and His purposes are always for His glory and our ultimate good.

Together, we’ll reflect on Scripture, practice trust through guided prayer, and continue our commitment to fasting on Thursdays as we seek the Lord with open hands and faithful hearts.

In this first week of our 28 Days of Prayer initiative, we focus on being empowered by the Holy Spirit to be Christ’s witnesses, not just within the walls of the church, but wherever God has placed us.

This episode invites us to pray that God would move us beyond comfort and complacency, shaping Fellowship West and Open Door into a bold, Spirit-empowered people committed to making disciples locally, nationally, and globally. Grounded in Acts 1:8 and Matthew 28:19–20, we reflect on God’s call to live on mission and trust in His presence as we go.

As part of this episode, we’ll spend intentional time in guided prayer, reading Scripture together and responding to God’s leading. We also invite you to join us in fasting on Thursdays as we seek the Lord with humility, dependence, and expectation.

For a full outline of our 28 days of prayer, check out our prayer guide HERE.

The new year often comes with pressure—to move faster, do more, and fix everything all at once. In this episode of The Table, we slow things down.

This conversation reflects on resisting hurry and choosing a more intentional pace as we begin a new year. For the first time on the podcast, Tyler's wife Melissa joins the table to share her perspective on rest, margin, and what it looks like to follow Jesus without rushing into change.

Together, we talk about the spiritual cost of hurry, the freedom of starting small, and simple rhythms that help create space for God’s presence in everyday life. Whether you’re feeling refreshed or already exhausted by January, this episode offers grace, encouragement, and permission to start the year slow.

What’s the true story behind Santa Claus, and how should Christians think about it? In this final week of Advent, we explore the real history behind the legend of Santa, how the story developed over time, and why it continues to matter in our homes and traditions today.

We also share a helpful framework for believers as they think through how to handle Santa in a way that’s thoughtful, loving, and centered on Christ. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all answers, this conversation invites wisdom, grace, and intentionality.

More importantly, we talk about love as the heart of Christmas. From generosity and joy to the ways we point our families toward what truly matters, this conversation invites us to think carefully about the stories we tell and the love we’re trying to pass on.

This episode is thoughtful, honest, and family-aware—offering perspective rather than prescriptions—while pointing us back to the greater story of Christ’s love that Advent celebrates.

What’s the weirdest Christmas gift you’ve ever received? This week at The Table, we kick things off by sharing some of our most memorable (and questionable) Christmas gifts before turning our attention to the Advent theme of joy.

In the middle of the noise, busyness, and expectations of the season, Advent reminds us that joy isn’t something we have to manufacture, it’s something Christ brings. We explore what it means to experience joy that goes deeper than circumstances, talk about why joy is central to the Christian story, and reflect on how the good news of Jesus still breaks through the chaos today.

Along the way, we have some fun with a Christmas lightning round and laugh together, while pointing our hearts back to the lasting joy found in Christ.

This week on The Table, we explore the Advent theme of Peace, discovering how God’s peace can calm the chaos of the season. Along the way, we share favorite Christmas traditions, draft our ultimate Christmas treats, and dive into the story behind O Come, All Ye Faithful—a carol that has brought hope and peace for generations.

Join us for a festive mix of laughter, reflection, and the true peace of Christ.

Prayer Practices

Listening Prayer

First, get somewhere quiet and distraction-free. Then:

• Breathe — Take a minute or two to just breathe slowly and deeply, clearing your mind to receive God’s word to you. You may want to simply pray, “Father” or “Jesus” as you inhale and exhale each breath.

• Silence — Ask God to silence the voice of the enemy in your mind, to clear the air around you, to shield and guard your imagination.

• Ask the Spirit to speak to you

• Open your mind and heart to listen — 1 Corinthians 6v19 tells us our body is a “temple of the Holy Spirit.” The Spirit within you has direct access to your imagination. Wait quietly with a surrendered heart. He may come to you in a Word or phrase

Breath Prayer

Find a quiet, distraction-free place to pray.

• Get seated comfortably, but where you can breathe properly and not slouch.

• Breathe slowly (five seconds on the inhale, then five on the exhale) from your belly. Relax. Become present to your body. And to the moment. Then, open your mind to God.

• You may just want to remain here, in loving attention to the Trinity. Remember: You’re not trying to pray words here. It’s your heart to God’s heart

• Or you may want to combine a prayer word to your breath. A prayer word is simply a word or phrase that you use to keep your attention fixed on God.

Praying the Examen

1. Become aware of God— Review the day with the eyes of the Spirit, asking God for the light to see. It may seem rushed to you, a blur or chaotic. If you feel overwhelmed or struggle to focus, ask the Spirit to help you see and bring focus to your mind.

2. Look back with gratitude— As you explore your day, take note of moments where you can thank God for what’s been. It may be as simple as noting the provision of food and waking in the comfort of your bed. Think about the people in your day and the connections made. Where was God in each relationship or conversation? Recall the little things about your day, simple everyday pleasures, and discover God among them.

3. Notice your emotions— Reflect on your feelings throughout the day. What do you notice? Without judging what you felt, did you feel anger? Contentment? Empathy? Happiness? Embarrassment? Trusting that God speaks through our emotions, what do you think God was saying amidst them?

4. Pray from one piece of your day— Allowing the Spirit to highlight one element of your day, be it positive or negative, ask him to speak to you about it. Consider it with him and allow it to lead you to prayer, whether it’s gratitude, intercession, petition, repentance, or praise.

5. Look ahead to tomorrow— Finally, ask God to prepare your heart for tomorrow. Notice how you feel about it — anxious, excited, nervous, overwhelmed — and invite the Spirit to speak to those joys and concerns. Ask for clarity for the day ahead and for peace to approach it with confidence. Ask for wisdom, for hope, for discernment.

Lectio Divina

Read – Read the passage out loud, reflecting on the passage as you read

Meditate – Read the passage again, one verse at a time, making note of any words or phrases that stand out

Pray – Read the passage again and say short prayers related to the themes, words, or phrases of the passage

Contemplate – Read the passage a final time and then sit quietly to reflect asking yourself the question: “What is one thing from this passage I will take into my life?”

Welcome to Week 1 of our Christmas series at The Table! This week, we kick things off with some of our favorite (and funniest) Christmas stories, including paintball and holiday fires, before diving into the first theme of Advent: Hope.

We also debate and rank our favorite Christmas movies, share the meaning behind the hope we have in Christ, and look at how this Advent season can shape the way we wait for Him. Cozy up with cocoa, cookies, or just your favorite Christmas blanket, and join us for a festive and meaningful start to the series.

For the blog Ben mentions, check HERE.

In the final episode of our evangelism series, Tyler sits down with Pastor Matt and Pastor Ben to talk through what happens after you start a Gospel conversation. How do you respond when someone shuts it down immediately? What about when they want more time to think? And how do you walk with someone who’s ready to trust Jesus?

Using the simple framework of red lights, yellow lights, and green lights, the three of us unpack practical and grace-filled ways to handle invitations, responses, and follow-up. Tyler shares a story about his old habit of debating atheists online (a classic red-light mistake), and we break down how to respond with patience, clarity, and love in each phase of the conversation.

As we wrap up our evangelism series, this episode gives you the tools, confidence, and encouragement to carry Gospel conversations forward in your everyday life.