What if silence is not the absence of God—but the place where you finally meet Him?

In this Lessons From Living episode, Rich Lewis, author of Sitting with God: A Journey to Your True Self Through Centering Prayer, shares how contemplative prayer became one of the most life-giving and identity-shaping practices of his spiritual journey.

Rich explains what centering prayer is, exactly how it is practiced, and why letting go—rather than striving—can lead to deep healing and transformation. We talk about discovering your “true self,” carving out time for prayer in a busy world, and using journaling alongside contemplative prayer to process what surfaces in silence.

This conversation also addresses common struggles with centering prayer, seasons of spiritual dryness and doubt, and why contemplative prayer is theologically sound. Rich shares how this ancient practice can be done in community, why silence is undervalued in modern culture, and the surprising “side effects” of a prayer life rooted in stillness.

If you’re longing for a deeper relationship with God, curious about contemplative prayer, or feeling spiritually weary, this episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and a grounded invitation to sit with God—and be changed.

Show Notes:

Sitting with God: A Journey to Your True Self with Centering Prayer, Rich Lewis

Healing the Divide: Recovering Christianity's Mystic Roots, Amos Smith

https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/

https://silenceteaches.com/

In this insightful episode of Lessons From Living, we explore the growing frustration among young Americans and their evolving views on socialism. We discuss the challenges they face, from soaring housing costs to predatory college debts, and how these experiences prompt a desire for fairness and relief. Delving into the misconceptions around socialism, we clarify that the call for change is not about government ownership but about seeking pathways to affordable healthcare, education, and meaningful work. We also examine successful models like the Scandinavian approach to social welfare, emphasizing that real solutions require both responsibility and autonomy. Join us for a candid conversation on how to build systems that empower young people, foster true growth, ensure their voices and aspirations are understood and addressed, and freedom is preserved.

In this powerful episode of Lessons From Living, Caleb David shares his remarkable journey from a childhood marked by spiritual abuse, violence, and a narcissistic father to becoming a compassionate leader dedicated to service. Caleb opens up about witnessing his mother being beaten, how his early spiritual formation was distorted by an abusive pastor-father, and the long path toward healing and reclaiming his faith.

We explore how he broke free from the example he was shown, building resilience through business failure, the collapse of a marriage, and the deep work required to recover a healthy sense of identity. Caleb discusses why providing stability for his adopted Ethiopian children matters, how he rebuilt his understanding of God, and what motivates his lifelong commitment to service-oriented work.

This conversation dives into:

• Overcoming childhood trauma and spiritual abuse
• Breaking generational patterns and choosing compassion
• Recovering from business and relationship failure
• Rehabilitating a damaged faith relationship
• The importance of stable community for children
• Why a service mindset thrives in both nonprofit and private sectors
• Encouraging others to give back—even when they doubt their value

If you’re looking for a story of resilience, purpose, and the redemptive power of service, this episode will stay with you long after listening.