Beyond Words®

Reflections on the Soul of Leadership

Written by Ruth Haley Barton, each reflection provides spiritual guidance and encouragement for those seeking to be in God for the world.

sunrise with two people silhouetted on a hill in the distance

It is the Lord!

By Transforming Center |

Happy Easter Monday, friends! Once again, Ruth invites us to celebrate the risen Jesus through five powerful post-resurrection encounters. We’ve reflected on these stories before, yet they continue to speak.…

a light cast shadows on step in the darkness

Staying Awake During Holy Week

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Lectionary readings and guidance on using the lectionary Monday of Holy Week (April 14, 2025): Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 36:5-11, Hebrews 9:11-15, John 12:1-11 “Stay together, friends, don’t scatter and sleep.…

Christmastide: From Waiting to Wonder

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Lectionary for Christmas Eve: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) Lectionary for Christmas Day: Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm…

The Example of Jesus Christ: Solitude and Silence

By Ruth Haley Barton |

To celebrate the launch of the expanded edition of Invitation to Solitude and Silence we’ve posted a series of video clips…

Advent 4: Joseph and the Walk of Faith

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Lectionary readings for December 19, 2010:  Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7; 17-19; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25 “Sooner or later, if we…

Advent 3: Gifts in the Wilderness

By Ruth Haley Barton |

For December 12, 2010 Ruth Haley Barton “The desert of which I speak is a desert of the spirit: a…

Advent 2: Necessary Preparations

By Ruth Haley Barton |

For December 12, 2010 Ruth Haley Barton “Our spiritual life depends on His perpetual coming to us, far more than…

Advent 1: The Importance of Staying Awake

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“You will find the living God in the pages of the Bible.  You will find him also just exactly where…

Beginning Again… With Advent

By David Hughes |

When we submit our lives to what we read in Scripture, we find that we are not being led to…

Spiritual Formation and the Merchants of Cool

By Rev. Mark Werner |

Spiritual Formation and the Merchants of Cool Rev. Mark Werner A short time ago I was invited to join other…

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Pay attention to the soul of your leadership with a FREE series written by Ruth Haley Barton

  • Reflections written for spiritual leaders delivered over 4 weeks each Saturday morning
  • Includes guidance to listen to what your soul wants to say to God and what God wants to say to your soul
  • Every reflection includes a recording by Ruth that goes deeper into topic.
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