In this podcast episode, respond to the Psalmist's call towards rest.  You are built to live from a state of rested security. That can seem like miles away from reality. Root yourself in this Psalm to find hope and abundance on the other side of life's busyness. This is an opportunity for you to spend some quality time with the Father, who deals bountifully with you. Whether you feel that reality at this moment or not, our road to rest is built on the landmarks of His provision. Reflect on...

In this podcast episode, be led through a reflective prayer exercise based on the Serenity Prayer. This prayer has been a source of comfort and strength for many people struggling with addiction or other challenges. This prayer is addressed to God, be encouraged to take a moment to simply be in His presence before asking for serenity or courage. The first part of the prayer asks for the "serenity to accept the things I cannot change." This can be the most difficult part of the prayer for many...

A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture.  At the intersection of humanity's brokenness and God's divine grace stands the cross. Good Friday is good because it unveils what is true, what is real. The cross shows us the depths of our brokenness and need of a savior, and the amazing reality of God's love, and all His salvation means to us. Reflect on the ancient Greek breath prayer "Kyrie eleison", and the Latin prayer "Agnus dei qui tollis peccata mundi". Written by...

A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Psalm 37:4...learn how to delight yourself in the LORD.

(Advent Series Part 4 of 4) A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture. In this final Well episode of 2022, explore the theme of LOVE. Mary's story is a remarkable story, one that we can find a lot of our own story within, especially this year. Dig into the Hebrew concept of Hesed (committed love) and the Greek concept of Agape (others-oriented love) as you are held closely by Him. Written by Brandon Bathauer. Please share your comments and thoughts, we’d love to...

(Advent Series: Part 3 of 4) A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture. In this episode, explore the theme of joy. We all need joy, not just some fleeting happiness. In this upside down season, how can we find moments and glimpses of joy? We can only find real joy in light of the relational reality of God's coming near. Take some time to soak in the nearness of God, so you may be a source of joy to others around you. To learn more about Spiritual Growth, visit...

(Advent Series: Part 2 of 4) A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture. In this episode, put yourself into the shoes of those who lived in Bethlehem. What did peace mean to them? How is God's promised peace different from the world's peace? If peace is greater than the absence of conflict, what could that mean to you? Spend some time with the God who brings us true peace, the peace we all need. To learn more about Spiritual Growth, visit saddleback.com/grow . You...

(4-week Advent Series) A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture. In this episode, begin the season of Advent by practicing anticipation...Hope. Like a nightwatch waits for morning, what do you watch for? What are you hoping for in this season? How can Jesus' arrival help shape what we are anticipating? Spend some time with the God who is with us and see what He says to you. Written and Recorded by Brandon Bathauer To learn more about Spiritual Growth, visit...

A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture. On this second installment of a three part series, dig into Jesus' words from Matthew 7:7-8, where He calls His followers to be a people who ask, who seek, and who knock. In this episode, reflect on what it means to be a person who seeks. Like a journeyer searching the Earth for a perfect pearl, God calls all of us to be seekers. This isn't just for those who are wondering about following Jesus, it is for all of us. We are...

A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture. On this first installment of a three part series, dig into Jesus' words from Matthew 7:7-8, where He calls His followers to be a people who ask, who seek, and who knock. In this episode, reflect on what it means to be a person who asks. It is easy to sit like a student, disinterested, bored, unattached. And yet, Jesus calls us to be that curious, insatiable, interested student who raises their hand. Will you be brave and...

A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture. In this REMASTERED episode, you will reflect on a phrase in the heart of the Lord's Prayer, “Give us today our Daily Bread”. Imagine taking yesterday and tomorrow off your shoulders and focusing on today at the foot of His throne. Music: "Touch and Sound" by Juan Sanchez Written and Recorded by Brandon Bathauer To learn more about Spiritual Growth, visit saddleback.com/grow . You can also get in touch with us by...

A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture. This is the third of three reflections focused on the pivotal 3 days of Jesus' Ministry: Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Resurrection Sunday. Resurrection...no other word is so unruly, so intriguing, so hope-filled. Spend some time with Jesus today to reflect on the moment that changed history, and if you believe it, will continue on changing the future of all things, your life included. Music: "Price of Freedom" by Zakhar...

A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture. This is the second of three reflections focused on the pivotal 3 days of Jesus' Ministry: Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Resurrection Sunday Holy Saturday gives us essential insight into what to do when we're caught in the "in-between". When alone and all seems lost, what did Jesus do? In contrast, what did those around him do? Spend some time reflecting on the day Jesus rested in the tomb. Music: "Price of Freedom" by...

A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture. This is the first of three reflections focused on the pivotal 3 days of Jesus' Ministry: Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Resurrection Sunday At the intersection of humanity's brokenness and God's divine grace stands the cross. Good Friday is good because it unveils what is true, what is real. The cross shows us the depths of our brokenness and need of a savior, and the amazing reality of God's love, and all His salvation means...

(Advent Series: Part 5 of 5) A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture. In this final episode of 2021, explore the theme of love. Mary's story is a remarkable story, one that we can find a lot of our own story within, especially this year. Dig into the Hebrew concept of Hesed (committed love) and the Greek concept of Agape (others-oriented love) as you are held closely by Him. To learn more about Spiritual Growth, visit saddleback.com/grow . You can also get in...

(Advent Series: Part 4 of 5) A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture. In this episode, explore the theme of joy. We all need joy, not just some fleeting happiness. In this upside down season, how can we find moments and glimpses of joy? We can only find real joy in light of the relational reality of God's coming near. Take some time to soak in the nearness of God, so you may be a source of joy to others around you. To learn more about Spiritual Growth, visit...

(Advent Series: Part 3 of 5) A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture. In this episode, put yourself into the shoes of those who lived in Bethlehem. What did peace mean to them? How is God's promised peace different from the world's peace? If peace is greater than the absence of conflict, what could that mean to you? Spend some time with the God who brings us true peace, the peace we all need. To learn more about Spiritual Growth, visit saddleback.com/grow . You...

(Advent Series: Part 2 of 5) A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture. In this episode, put yourself into the shoes of the shepherds. What were their hopes? What did their thoughts go to? And how did the proclamation of the angels of the arrival of the new king change their hopes? How can the arrival of the new king shape your hopes? Spend some time with the God who builds our hopes, and shapes our future. To learn more about Spiritual Growth, visit...

(5-week Advent Series) A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture. In this episode, begin the season of Advent by practicing anticipation. Like a nightwatch waits for morning, what do you watch for? What are you anticipating in this season? How can Jesus' arrival help shape what we are anticipating? Spend some time with the God who is with us and see what He says to you. To learn more about Spiritual Growth, visit saddleback.com/grow . You can also get in touch with...

A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture. The Prayer of Examen has been used by Christians for hundreds of years. Spend time in the beautiful Psalm 139 as you journey through a Spirit-led review of your day. What clips of beauty, challenge, growth, or goodness does He want to bring your attention to? What do you need to thank Him for? Or ask forgiveness about? Or learn from before walking into tomorrow? Written by Brandon Bathauer. Music soundscape by JD...

A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture. What burdens are you carrying? Do you feel right now like you're carrying the weight of the broken world on your shoulders? Spend some time with Jesus and His words, let Him call you to an easier burden, a lighter load. To learn more about Spiritual Growth, visit saddleback.com/grow . You can also get in touch with us by emailing [email protected]. For a manuscript of this reflection, here is a...

A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture. Where are you on your wonder-meter? As you look at your work, your family, the world around you, do you overflow with awe, curiosity, hope? Or, have you grown up and grown old, filled instead with cynicism, hurt, and jadedness? Enjoy some time with your Creator. Have your eyes opened to the wonder all around you, that your work, your day, your life, can take on greater meaning and depth. Step into a life of wonder with the...

A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture. This is the third of three reflective shorts focused on John chapter 20, the chapter of resurrection. "On the first day of the week, while it was still dark..." These words are filled with meaning and richness, specifically for those who are emerging from a season of difficulty. Enter into the pain and joy of Mary Magdalene as she approaches the tomb, collapses in grief, then meets the gardener, a prophetic mistake. Take...

A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture. This is the second of three reflective shorts focused on John chapter 20, the chapter of resurrection. "On the first day of the week, while it was still dark..." These words are filled with meaning and richness, specifically for those who are emerging from a season of difficulty. When did you last run? Enter into the minds of Peter and John as they sprint to the empty tomb early on the first day of the week. What do they...