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…

Bring rhythms of fixed-hour prayer to your family

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“Fixed-hour prayer gives us a way to anchor our daily lives in rhythms of prayer, Scripture reading, and silence, ensuring…

Reflecting on COVID-19 through the Lens of John 9

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“Surely we are not blind, are we?” John 9:40 That the Works of God Might be Revealed Here at the Transforming…

Join us for a virtual Good Friday prayer service

By Transforming Center |

The Practice of Keeping Vigil Ruth Haley Barton “Who can stay awake in this night of God? Who will not…

crucifix

Lent and the Human Struggle

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“Lent is a spiritual season which calls for greater openness to the word of God and conversion in every area…

Holding Fast to Love and Justice—In Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.

By Ruth Haley Barton |

To mark and celebrate the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is to mark and celebrate…

Invitation to Advent: Leaders in Liminal Space

By Ruth Haley Barton |

This week, we release our Advent podcast season of the Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership podcast! If you’ve already signed…

Finding God’s Will in Community: Exploring a process for corporate leadership discernment

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“If we’re not discerning God’s will together in fairly intentional ways, what are we doing?” —Ruth Haley Barton It was…

Spiritual Direction (Part 2): A Space for Rigorous Honesty

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Click here to read “Spiritual Direction (Part 1): A Vital Practice for Discerning Leaders.” “The whole purpose of spiritual direction…

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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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