“For the tongue, which is our instrument of speech, should be consecrated to truth, not to error.” —Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 120/140 – c. 203) Source: Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies, in Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 1, ed. Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1885), 455. Reflective Question: How does Irenaeus’s insistence that speech be “consecrated …
A Prayer for True and Gentle Speech, by Athenagoras of Athens, 2nd Century
“Grant, O Lord, that our words may be seasoned with truth and gentleness, that in speaking we may neither wound nor deceive, but bear witness to Your wisdom. May our tongues be instruments of peace, and our speech a mirror of the Word made flesh, so that in all discourse we glorify You.” –Athenagoras of Athens (c. 133 – 190) …
Quote of the Week, Teaching, Not Wounding, by Isidore of Seville, 7th Century
“Let your speech be patient and your silence thoughtful, for the wise man speaks so as to teach, not to wound.” —Isidore of Seville (c. 560–636) Source: Isidore of Seville, Sententiae, trans. Thomas L. Knoebel, in Isidore of Seville: Sententiae, vol. 3 of Ancient Christian Writers: The Works of the Fathers in Translation, ed. Thomas C. Oden (New York: Newman …
Coming Soon from Integratio Press, Devotionals on the Teaching Life, by John Dunaway
Minding Our Hearts: Devotionals on the Teaching Life for Christian Professors Available 2026 Editor: John Marson Dunaway Total pages: 240 [View book on Integratio Press website] Description This collection of 52 devotionals is designed for college or university professors, so all entries are connected to some aspect of faculty life: the classroom experience, research, or participation in the …
Quote of the Week, Fittingness in Communication, Thomas Aquinas
“Words should be fitting, neither excessive nor lacking, so that speech may edify and not offend.” — Thomas Aquinas (c. 1225 – 1274) Source: Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae, II–II, q. 72, a. 1, trans. Fathers of the English Dominican Province (New York: Benziger Brothers, 1947), 2:72. Reflection: In my daily conversations, how can I discern when to speak with restraint …
A Prayer for Gentle and True Words, Peter Abelard, 12th Century
“O Lord, grant that my words may be gentle and true, seasoned with wisdom, so that in speaking I may not wound but heal, not confuse but clarify, and in all things give glory to You, who are the Word made flesh.” —Peter Abelard (1079 – 1142) Source: Peter Abelard, Prayer for Pure Speech, in A Collection of Prayers from …
Coming Soon from Integratio Press, Relationships on the Run, by Stephanie Bennett
Relationships On the Run: How to Grow Authentic Connections and Lasting Intimacy in a Hurried Culture Stephanie Bennett Total pages: 200 [View book on Integratio Press website] Description Stressful. Overwhelming. Too much. If these words describe the tone of your everyday life, it’s time for a change. In the midst of a fast-paced world we need strong friends and family …
Quote of the Week, Faithful Communication, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“The first service one owes to others in the fellowship consists in listening to them.” —Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) Source: Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together, trans. John W. Doberstein (New York: Harper & Row, 1954), 97. Reflective Question: In what ways might deep listening serve as a form of spiritual leadership in your community or vocation?
A Prayer for Speaking in Love, Listening in Grace, by Johannes Tauler (14th Century)
“Lord, teach me to listen with the ears of the heart, that I may hear not only words but the spirit behind them. Let my speech be rooted in love, and my silence be filled with understanding.” —Johannes Tauler (1300-1361) Source: Johannes Tauler, Sermons, trans. Maria Shrady (Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1985), 112. Reflective Question: How might “listening with the …
Coming Soon from Integratio Press, Minding Our Hearts: Devotionals on the Teaching Life for Christian Professors
Minding Our Hearts: Devotionals on the Teaching Life for Christian Professors Available 2026 Editor: John Marson Dunaway Total pages: 240 [View book on Integratio Press website] Description This collection of 52 devotionals is designed for college or university professors, so all entries are connected to some aspect of faculty life: the classroom experience, research, or participation in the …
