Spiritual Practice

As Yourself

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:07:29 GMT

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” —Matthew 22:39

What does it mean to love others “as yourself?”

For spiritual director, therapist, and former pastor Caroline Vogel, loving God and loving others always came easy. What was much harder, as she discovered during a difficult season in her life, was the “as yourself” part. What did Jesus mean when he said to love others as yourself?

In this heartening exploration of learning to love ourselves as God loves us, Vogel invites us to embrace God's deep and abiding love, with our whole being, just as we are, today and every day.

Through spiritual practices, Biblical insights, and personal story, Vogel shows us how to move from striving for God's love to simply receiving it. With a gentle and wise voice, Caroline teaches us how to slow down, steady our minds, open our hearts, and tap into the life-giving flow of God's grace that is already within us — calling us out of our perfectionism, fear, or shame, calling us toward our own belovedness.

Drawing on her own deep relationship with the Holy Spirit, Vogel reveals that when we are truly aligned with the Spirit and follow Her lead — mind, heart, and body — we are being infused by God's grace moment by moment. We are breathing the Spirit and the Spirit is breathing us. We are living embodied grace inside and out.

If you struggle to love yourself as God does, yearn to know God's love more deeply, and wonder what it's like to embody grace in your daily life, this book is for you.

Welcome to the journey of coming home to yourself in God's love, as yourself.

In As Yourself, readers will explore:

Why receiving God's love is as important as giving it away.
How “hustling” for God's love is the opposite of living embodied grace.
How shame is often a barrier to loving ourselves and others.
How grace already lives inside us; we simply need to open to that truth.
Biblical stories that illuminate the theology of “as yourself.”
A dozen spiritual practices to help you embody grace.

READ A SAMPLE.

Praying Their Way

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 14:52:09 GMT

Help kids develop an authentic relationship with God.

Children have a natural curiosity about God and an innate draw towards mystery. As they grow, kids ask bigger, more complex spiritual questions, and they need guides to help them explore their budding faith lives. Frustratingly, many of us lack the confidence or skills to talk to kids about prayer. We need resources to help us help them pray, in their own words and on their terms.

In Praying Their Way, seminary professor, pastor, and dad Roger Owens partners with his 15-year-old daughter Mary Clare to offer a unique guidebook for introducing kids to a lifelong journey with prayer. Filled with an abundance of tools to engage kids between the ages of 10-14 on the topic of prayer, this book provides support for that awkward time as kids grow from young children into teenagers and their faith grows and evolves too.

In this new resource for adults and the "tweens" they care for, you'll discover a new vocabulary for talking about prayer, specific prompts for conversation, and two dozen prayer practices in six different categories (scripture, silence, body, nature, together, and justice) to explore with kids in grades 5-8. Praying Their Way is easily adaptable for younger kids and kids through 9th grade, as well as the spiritual-but-not-religious audience.

Written for parents, grandparents, godparents, pastors, children's ministers, and Sunday school teachers, Praying Their Way is the book we have all been longing for. With Roger and Mary Clare as your wise guides, you will embark on a joyful journey of discovery and holy connection with the kids you love. And, as you share these practices with these young people, you may find that your own relationship with God is deepened and enriched as well.

Praying Their Way

Fri, 02 May 2025 16:24:08 GMT

Help kids develop an authentic relationship with God.

The Upper Room Disciplines 2026

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:34:37 GMT

The bestselling 365-day devotional that follows the Revised Common Lectionary.

If you're looking to steep yourself in God's word and presence every day, The Upper Room Disciplines 2026 is your essential guide to daily spiritual renewal. Now in its 67th year, this beloved resource is more than just a devotional; it's a daily companion that helps you stay grounded in scripture, cultivate a life of prayer, and develop a deeper, more intentional relationship with God.

Each day of this year-round devotional includes a scripture reading followed by a thought-provoking meditation and prayer from one of 53 diverse Christian thought-leaders from around the country. A trusted resource by clergy and lay people alike, Disciplines follows the Revised Common Lectionary — a three-year cycle of scripture readings — ensuring that your daily reflections are rooted in the rhythm of scripture shared by churches around the world.

Combining biblical scholarship and thoughtful theology with meaningful prayers, The Upper Room Disciplines helps you stay grounded, inspired, and connected to God every day. Whether you're a pastor preparing for worship, a small group leader fostering community, or someone seeking daily spiritual nourishment, Disciplines is your essential companion for a transformative spiritual life.

Join thousands of others who rely on Disciplines as a trusted companion for a life of prayer, biblical reflection, and discerning God's call in their lives.

What makes Disciplines unique?

365-day devotional based on the Revised Common Lectionary
Daily scripture readings with insightful reflections from 53 diverse Christian leaders
Weekly themes that guide you deeper into God's Word
A Guide to Daily Prayer to enrich your spiritual practice
A Small Group Leader's Guide for shared study and discussion

Contributors for the 2026 edition include Karoline Lewis, Tex Sample, Pumla Nzimande, David Wilson, Magrey deVega, Caroline Vogel, and Bruce Reyes-Chow.

The Upper Room Disciplines 2026

Fri, 02 May 2025 16:22:09 GMT

The bestselling 365-day devotional that follows the Revised Common Lectionary.

Each day of this year-round devotional includes a scripture reading followed by a thought-provoking meditation and prayer from one of 53 diverse Christian thought-leaders from around the country. A trusted resource by clergy and lay people alike, Disciplines follows the Revised Common Lectionary — a three-year cycle of scripture readings — ensuring that your daily reflections are rooted in the rhythm of scripture shared by churches around the world.

Join thousands of others who rely on Disciplines as a trusted companion for a life of prayer, biblical reflection, and discerning God's call in their lives.

What makes Disciplines unique?

365-day devotional based on the Revised Common Lectionary
Daily scripture readings with insightful reflections from 53 diverse Christian leaders
Weekly themes that guide you deeper into God's Word
A Guide to Daily Prayer to enrich your spiritual practice
A Small Group Leader's Guide for shared study and discussion

Contributors for the 2026 edition include Karoline Lewis, Tex Sample, Pumla Nzimande, David Wilson, Magrey deVega, Caroline Vogel, and Bruce Reyes-Chow.

The Enlarged Edition with room for note-taking can be found by clicking here.

The Upper Room Disciplines 2026 Enlarged Edition

Fri, 02 May 2025 16:23:28 GMT

The bestselling 365-day devotional that follows the Revised Common Lectionary — now, with more room for notes!

Each day of this year-round devotional includes a scripture reading followed by a thought-provoking meditation and prayer from one of 53 diverse Christian thought-leaders from around the country. A trusted resource by clergy and lay people alike, Disciplines follows the Revised Common Lectionary — a three-year cycle of scripture readings — ensuring that your daily reflections are rooted in the rhythm of scripture shared by churches around the world.

Join thousands of others who rely on Disciplines as a trusted companion for a life of prayer, biblical reflection, and discerning God's call in their lives.

What makes Disciplines unique?

365-day devotional based on the Revised Common Lectionary
Daily scripture readings with insightful reflections from 53 diverse Christian leaders
Wider margins for note-taking
Weekly themes that guide you deeper into God's Word
A Guide to Daily Prayer to enrich your spiritual practice
A Small Group Leader's Guide for shared study and discussion

Contributors featured in the 2026 edition include Karoline Lewis, Tex Sample, Pumla Nzimande, David Wilson, Magrey deVega, Caroline Vogel, and Bruce Reyes-Chow.

Orar con mandalas

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 14:39:41 GMT

¿Alguna vez ha pensado en colorear como una forma de orar? Tome sus lápices de colores o crayones y descubra una manera creativa de calmarse y enfocarse en Dios.

Sharon Seyfarth Garner invita a los adultos y jóvenes a colorear mandalas como una forma sencilla, placentera y tangible de «estar con Dios de manera intencional». Orar con mandalas combina la práctica relajante y contemplativa de colorear con estas prácticas espirituales antiguas:

Lectio divina (lectura meditativa de las Escrituras)
Oración de intercesión
Oración de consagración
Examen (revisión de los eventos del día para reconocer dónde estuvo presente Dios)

Este libro para colorear lo guía a través de experiencias de oración prácticas y desde el corazón. Disfrute de esta práctica colorida y contemplativa de orar con mandalas.

CARACTERÍSTICAS

10 páginas con 4 diseños de mandalas en blanco (40 mandalas)
Información sobre el uso de mandalas en la tradición cristiana
Consejos para orar con mandalas
Explicaciones sencillas sobre los mandalas y 4 prácticas espirituales
Puede ser utilizado por individuos o grupos en diversos contextos: retiros, hospitales, residencias de cuidado de ancianos, prisiones, ministerios universitarios, momentos devocionales en familia y más

Draw Close

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 18:00:11 GMT

Experience scripture, God, and your faith in a fresh new way this Lenten season! In the interactive devotional Draw Close, Rev. Stephanie Dunn invites people of all faith levels and artistic skills into a creative daily practice that will deepen your faith and help you engage scripture in imaginative new ways.

On each of the 40 days of Lent, Dunn introduces you to a biblical text, prayer, and word prompt to ponder, followed by a blank page for you to respond in whatever way you choose—sketching, doodling, poetry, journaling, or however your heart desires! As you engage with the Lenten texts in this immersive way, you'll discover new depths of insight, connection, and spiritual renewal. Through the act of creation, you'll find a sacred space where prayer, meditation, and creativity converge, nurturing your soul and fostering a closer relationship with God.

This unique Lenten companion for all ages can be used alone or with a group of others looking for new ways to practice their faith. Pick up a pencil or pen and prepare to draw closer to God this Lent! Perforated pages allow you to tear out your favorite creations to hang on the wall or fridge.

READ A SAMPLE.

Five Ways to Use Draw Close in Your Church This Lent

Pastoral Pause

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 19:55:43 GMT

Take a break before you shatter.

In the demanding realm of pastoral ministry, where energy fades and the threat of burnout is ever-present, pastor Greg Pimlott offers a lifeline. With disarming humor and refreshing honesty, Pimlott invites us into his own transformative journey from burnout to spiritual revitalization, providing encouragement, inspiration, and practical tools for other pastors on the brink of exhaustion and considering a renewal leave.

From his candid account of the moment he realized he needed a break, to a life-changing encounter deep in the New Mexico desert, Pimlott shares poignant glimpses of life before, during, and after his leave to inspire his fellow clergy. Along the way, he provides spiritual and practical resources such as renewal leave checklists, budget-planning tools, book lists, reflection prompts, liturgies, and devotions to equip others on their journeys.

Pastors, facing the challenges of strained relationships, waning creativity, and diminishing spiritual reserves, will find solace and guidance in this invaluable and relatable resource. Take a break before you shatter — Pastoral Pause is your indispensable companion on the journey to self-renewal.

Read a sample.

Pastoral Pause

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 15:27:03 GMT

Take a break before you shatter.

Read a Sample.

Looking Inward, Living Outward

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 14:38:19 GMT

In a world of so much hurt, how can we create communities of care and healing?

While many contemporary Christians focus on a spirituality of the afterlife and individual salvation, Jesus calls us to create communities that enact justice and bring peace here on earth as it is in heaven. In his revelatory new book Looking Inward, Living Outward, popular spiritual leader Daniel Wolpert calls us back to a life of prayer and twelve specific spiritual practices that re-orient our gaze outward in acts of social transformation.

Drawing from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, one of the most radical speeches in human history, this encouraging and practical guide connects acts of contemplation with action, providing biblically based and spiritually grounded practices for living into the beloved community today.

Discover how spiritual practices can change the way you interact with the world and inspire lasting change.

Key Takeaways:

Learn practical spiritual practices to live a life molded by a deep spiritual connection.
Explore the nature of the spiritual life and how it can become a guiding force in our daily lives.
Understand the teachings of Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount as a blueprint for living in community and society.
Discover the importance of communities of practice in reorienting our actions and promoting compassion in a world filled with challenges.

READ A SAMPLE.

NEW Small Group Guide — download now!

Looking Inward, Living Outward

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 15:12:35 GMT

In a world of so much hurt, how can we create communities of care and healing?

Discover how spiritual practices can change the way you interact with the world and inspire lasting change.

Key Takeaways:

Learn practical spiritual practices to live a life molded by a deep spiritual connection.
Explore the nature of the spiritual life and how it can become a guiding force in our daily lives.
Understand the teachings of Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount as a blueprint for living in community and society.
Discover the importance of communities of practice in reorienting our actions and promoting compassion in a world filled with challenges.

READ A SAMPLE.

NEW Small Group Guide — download now!

Speak, My Soul

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 14:30:02 GMT

Learn to listen for the voice of God.

Our soul speaks … but can we hear it? In our noisy and overcrowded lives, it's often difficult to find the space to listen deeply to our own inner voice, let alone the voice of God. In Speak, My Soul, spiritual guide Marsha Crockett leads you through seven pathways for slowing down and discerning God's promptings in your daily life. Using the psalms as a spiritual roadmap, the journey will include seven weeks of daily meditations, prayers, practices, and prompts to help you enter and explore the quiet landscape of the soul, speaking to you even now.

Speak, My Soul is ideal for both personal and group use and includes the following:

A daily and weekly rhythm for personal devotion, reflection, prayer, and suggestions for journaling
A Small Group Leader’s Guide, including tips on developing listening groups, teaching active listening skills, and group dynamics
Speak, My Soul Psalms: Bonus content with reflection questions for six additional psalms
Lenten Retreat Guide
Inner Path Identifiers: a chart of traits, challenges, and disciplines associated with each of the seven inner paths for further reflections

Read a Sample.

Speak, My Soul

Tue, 14 May 2024 19:52:20 GMT

Learn to listen for the voice of God.

Speak, My Soul is ideal for both personal and group use and includes the following:

A daily and weekly rhythm for personal devotion, reflection, prayer, and suggestions for journaling
A Small Group Leader’s Guide, including tips on developing listening groups, teaching active listening skills, and group dynamics
Speak, My Soul Psalms: Bonus content with reflection questions for six additional psalms
Lenten Retreat Guide
Inner Path Identifiers: a chart of traits, challenges, and disciplines associated with each of the seven inner paths for further reflections

Read a Sample.

Where We Meet

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 20:29:07 GMT

Meet Jesus at the Intersection of Faith and Justice

Jesus devoted himself to uplifting the poor, reaching out to the marginalized, and fearlessly challenging systems of oppression. His message resounded with the promise of liberation, equality, and inclusion for all, and he implored his followers to pursue the same. However, the church has often struggled to reflect this good news in its own actions.

In Where We Meet, four members of the Intersect network invite you to immerse yourself in the stories of Jesus and the early church. Together, they also explore their own stories, examine past shortcomings of the church, address difficult questions, and envision a brighter future that better reflects the good news of Jesus.

Throughout the Lenten season, Rachel Gilmore, Tyler Sit, Matt Temple, and Candace Lewis guide you through a series of daily reflections, exploring a spectrum of critical themes—from diversity and equity to the challenges of the post-colonial church. They will also delve into the vital need for innovation and contextualization in doing the work Jesus had called us to do.

Prepare to tackle challenging questions and be emboldened to follow in Jesus' footsteps, pursuing justice and love for all.

Download a Free Sample

Where We Meet

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 14:21:28 GMT

Meet Jesus at the Intersection of Faith and Justice

Prepare to tackle challenging questions and be emboldened to follow in Jesus' footsteps, pursuing justice and love for all.

Download a Free Sample

Shaped by the Word, Anniversary Edition

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 14:27:19 GMT

In the foreword to the first edition of Shaped by the Word, Bishop Rueben Job wrote, "One of the great strengths of this volume is that it grows out of the spiritual pilgrimage of a capable and committed biblical scholar. It was my privilege to hear these lectures when they were presented to the first Academy for Spiritual Formation in 1983. They became for those who heard them a window to God."

Nearly forty years later, Shaped by the Word continues to provide this "window to God" to readers across the world.

In a success-oriented world, it is easy for Bible study to become another task to perform rather than a transformational experience. Those who hunger for a deep relationship with God often struggle with barriers that keep us from being able to meditate and listen to God with the deepest core of our being. Shaped by the Word seeks to overcome these barriers through a formational reading of the Bible. In this timeless book, Robert Mulholland shows readers how to listen for God's voice in our study of the Word and allow God to lead our reading and understanding so that we may truly be transformed.

Shaped by the Word, Anniversary Edition

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 14:50:11 GMT

Nearly forty years later, Shaped by the Word continues to provide this "window to God" to readers across the world.

Creating a Life with God, Revised Edition

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 16:24:12 GMT

Over the past four decades, author Daniel Wolpert has answered the question "What do you do for a living?" with "I am a student of the spiritual life." In the original foreword to Creating a Life with God, Wolpert was called a “Pray-er” — someone who knew how his life was altered and transformed by prayer and someone who accepted the invitation to join Jesus in prayer to tend the longing in his heart. Both statements are still true today.

In the twenty years since this book was first released, Wolpert's work has inspired many to reflect on the life of prayer and what it means to be intentional about creating daily life with God. The longevity of the book speaks to a deep hunger for the practice of prayer and contemplation. Over the years, interest in spiritual life has grown stronger, both within the church and within popular culture. In the face of a world filled with chaos, uncertainty, and constant change, spiritual practices and prayer shape us into people who can provide healing, love, and compassion in response.

The twelve prayer practices in this book will help you take your relationship with God to a new level by:

Inviting you to solitude and silence
Inviting you to use your mind and imagination
Inviting you to use your body and your creativity
Inviting you to connect with nature and community.

Creating a Life with God invites you to join traveling companions like Julian of Norwich and Ignatius to help illuminate each of these prayer practices. This 20^th Anniversary Edition includes two new chapters and two new companions: Saint Brigit, who invites us to take a spiritual look at climate change, and Howard Thurman, noted pastor, author, and contemplative, who invites us to explore how spiritual practices inspire social transformation. These new chapters build on the original twelve prayer practices and ask how we can use the practice of prayer to engage a world in crisis.

Alongside these traveling companions, you will discover how classical approaches to God can deepen your prayer life and help prepare you to engage the world as a fearless ambassador for God's goodness.

Creating a Life with God, Revised Edition

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 15:34:25 GMT

The twelve prayer practices in this book will help you take your relationship with God to a new level by:

Inviting you to solitude and silence
Inviting you to use your mind and imagination
Inviting you to use your body and your creativity
Inviting you to connect with nature and community.