“O God, let the words of my mouth be acceptable in thy sight; restrain my tongue from every uncharitable and untrue word, and make my speech such as becomes the servants — Jeremy Taylor (1613–1667) of Christ.” Source: Jeremy Taylor, The Whole Duty of Man According to the Law of Nature (London: R. Royston, 1651), 112. Reflective Question: How might this …
Quote of the Week, Speaking with Charity, by George Herbert, 17th Century
“Speak not of people’s faults unless you are paid for it; for usually none will thank you for it.” —George Herbert (1593–1633) Source: George Herbert, Jacula Prudentum (London: T. Maxey for T. Garthwait, 1651), no. 117. Reflection: Where in my own conversations am I tempted to speak about others’ faults, and what might faithful restraint look like instead?
Quote of the Week, Speech with Grace, by John Chrysostom, 4th Century
“Let your speech be always with grace.” — John Chrysostom (c. 349 – 407) Source: John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Acts of the Apostles, Hom. 45, in Nicene and Post‑Nicene Fathers, First Series, vol. 11, ed. Philip Schaff (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1994), 284. Reflection: In what ways might “speech with grace” reshape the tone, intention, and impact of the conversations I …
A Prayer Before the Word is Spoken, by Symeon the New Theologian, 10th Century
“Shine in our hearts, O Master who loves humankind, the pure light of Your divine knowledge, and open the eyes of our mind to understand Your gospel teachings.” — Symeon the New Theologian (949 – 1022), Prayer for Illumination. Source: Symeon the New Theologian, Prayer for Illumination, in Symeon the New Theologian: The Discourses, trans. C. J. deCatanzaro (New York: Paulist …
Column Entry, “Communication as Communion: A StorySLAM Win and Still Learning,” by Chris Hamstra
Column Title: Leadership Life Stories: Communicating and Leading through Your Story Column Entry: “Communication as Communion: A StorySLAM Win and Still Learning” By Chris Hamstra, PhD, Davenport University Description: There is a power when people come together to share stories. As people of faith, the practice and process of storytelling helps us understand ourselves, our communities, and our organizations. When combined with leadership, …
Quote of the Week, The Purpose of Speech, by Richard Hooker, 16th Century
“The end of speech is to teach, to inform, to persuade, and to move.” — Richard Hooker (1554 – 1600) Source: Richard Hooker, Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity, 1.14. Reflection: How might my words today better reflect these purposes—teaching, informing, persuading, and moving others toward what is good?
A Prayer for Freedom from Human Praise, Thomas More, 16th Century
“Give me the grace, good Lord, to set the world at naught; to set my mind fast upon you and not to hang upon the blast of men’s mouths.” — Thomas More (1478-1535) Source: Thomas More, A Godly Meditation, in The English Works of Sir Thomas More, ed. W. E. Campbell (London: Eyre and Spottiswoode, 1931), 145. Reflection. Where do …
A Prayer for Seeking God in Word and Love, Catherine of Siena, 14th Century
“O eternal God, you are a deep sea, into which the more I enter the more I find, and the more I find the more I seek. You fill us in such a way that we can neither contain nor desire anything but you. And yet you are not satisfied unless we ask for great things. Give me, then, a …
Forthcoming 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: 242 [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 …
Forthcoming 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 Available 2026 Total pages: 188 [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 …
