Wes Ellis and Abiding in Amen

We had a lovely time chatting with Wes Ellis about his book Abiding in Amen: Prayer for a Secular Age! Wes is a pastor, professor, and author who decided to look at prayer through a gentle, nonjudgmental, and playful lens. We chat about abiding in prayer, silence, what resonates deeply within us, and approaching prayer in a hopeful, open hearted way. We hope that this episode gives you the space you need to check out prayer in new and innovative ways! May your prayers flow through you freely, may they reach the depths of your heart and spirit, and may your prayers lead you to act.

Show Notes:

• Abiding in Amen
• Wes Ellis Website
• The Uncontrollability of the World by Hartmut Rosa
• God in Creation by Jurgen Moltmann
• Theology of Play by Jurgen Moltmann

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Prayer and Its Significance
05:11 Exploring the Challenges of Prayer in a Secular Age
10:25 Defining Prayer: A Two-Way Communication
13:10 Prayer as Technology: A Cautionary Perspective
18:33 Resonance in Prayer Practices
21:11 The Concept of Disposable Prayer
24:40 The Importance of Play in Spiritual Life
27:09 The Importance of Play and Joy in Troubling Times
27:50 Prayer as Community Action
30:08 Suffering with the World: A New Perspective
33:15 The Role of the Church in Transformation
35:19 Being Ready: The Nature of Prayer
38:27 Everything as Prayer: A New Understanding
44:58 Breath Prayer and the Desert Fathers
51:04 Finding Beauty Amidst Darkness
52:03 Invitation to Simple Prayer
53:48 NEWCHAPTER