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.

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.…

Image of sun breaking through dark clouds with a cross silhouetted against the sky

A Leader’s Prayer During Lent

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Lectionary Readings for Fifth Sunday in Lent (April 6, 2025): Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126, Philippians 3:4b-14, John 12:1-8 Lent Calendar (Cycle C) and guidance for using the lectionary “Lent is…

Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation

By Ruth Haley Barton |

I remember the first time I noticed that some people arrange their lives to see sunsets.  It was summertime in…

Rocky lake floor seen through still water with quiet reflection of sunset.

A Powerful Model for Leadership Transformation: A Two-Year Experience of Spiritual Formation for Leaders

By Transforming Center |

Wheaton, IL–First there were 12. Then 25, then 38—and now 70. Those numbers testify to the quiet-but-steady growth of a…

Practicing Lent: Preparing for Holy Week

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Editor’s note: In this article, guest author Peter Giersch reflects on some of the oldest traditions of the Church for…

Practicing Lent: Rain at Winter’s End

By Ruth Haley Barton |

?Look, a little cloud no bigger than a person’s hand is rising out of the sea!?? ~I Kings 18:44 I…

Practicing Lent: Receiving Forgiveness

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“While the truth that we cannot escape God’s all-seeing eye may weigh us down at times, it is finally the…

Practicing Lent: True Confessions

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“The things we cannot accept in ourselves we project upon others. If I do not admit my shadow side, I…

Practicing Lent: Cleaning Our Messy House

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.” Psalm 51: 10…

Glory to God in the Highest: A Prayer on Christmas Day

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Glory to God in the Highest! A Prayer on Christmas Day O Lord, open my lips. And my mouth shall…

FREE RESOURCE

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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