Practicing the Way with John Mark Comer

What are we missing by never sitting in the quiet?

Welcome to a new series of teachings on the ancient practice of solitude. Together we’ll explore how to step away from the noise of modern life and into the still, peaceful presence of God. In this teaching, John Mark explains what true solitude with God is, what it isn’t, and what might be waiting for us if we follow Jesus into the quiet place.

If you’d like to continue exploring what it means to build a life with God in solitude, we have t...

What kind of faith can actually last a lifetime? In this final conversation on Water From A Deep Well, John Mark and Dr. Sittser uncover one quality that stands out in their journey through 2,000 years of Christian history — from the lives of saints and martyrs, to missionaries and laity: the virtue of resilience.

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Neil from Lake in the Hills; Sheryll from Pensacola, Florida; Amy from Mount Carmel, Tennessee; Luke from Winscombe, Avon; and Jacob fr...

When was the last time you made a risk for God? In this conversation, John Mark and Dr. Sittser explore the courageous, risk-taking faith of pioneer missionaries, and how our own spirituality can be deeply formed over time by small acts of faith.

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Dee from Durham, North Carolina; Tim from Hagerstown, Maryland; Jennifer from Tell City, Indiana; Stephen from Surrey, British Columbia; and Julie from Austin, Texas. Thank you all very much.

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What value lies beyond the church tradition you know best? In this conversation, John Mark and Dr. Sittser arrive at the spirituality many of us are most familiar with today: evangelicalism, and discuss how it came to be and how it can be harmonized with the rich, historical traditions of the Church.

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Shelby from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; John from Asheboro, North Carolina; Heidi from Colorado Springs, Colorado; Alicia from Boyds, Maryland; and Miriam from...

When did you first get your hands on a Bible? In this conversation, John Mark and Dr. Sittser move into the Protestant Reformation to discuss how it profoundly shifted the role of the Bible, and how that connects to our experience in the life of the church today.

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Jenn from Spokane Valley, Washington; Helen from Kenosha, Wisconsin; Zach from Libertyville, Illinois; Kristi from Carthage, Tennessee; and Christina from Elk River, Minnesota. Thank you all...

Could your normal, everyday life be holy ground? In this conversation, John Mark and Dr. Sittser discuss how it came to be believed that even the most ordinary of people like you and me — not just saints, mystics or monastics — could create a deeply spiritual life with God in their everyday lives.

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Brook from Antioch, Tennessee; Chris from Burlington, Ontario; Daniel from Vancouver, Washington; Anthony from Raleigh, North Carolina; and Chris from Stone Ridge, New...

What if faith is meant to be experienced, not just understood? In this conversation, John Mark and Dr. Sittser dive into the historical roots of Christian mysticism, a part of the Christian tradition that focuses on how we can know God through direct experience, not just intellectual understanding.

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Nina from Wrentham, Massachusetts; Eric from San Antonio, Texas; Beverly from Chico, California; Troy from Nashville, Tennessee; and Peter from Camas, Washington. Thank you all very...

What if God is found as much in the ordinary as in the extraordinary? In this conversation, John Mark and Dr. Sittser take us into the days of the medieval church, highlighting the emphasis in that period on bridging the seen and unseen realms through architecture and the sacraments, showing how our faith can be enriched by the ordinary.

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Vilma from Vilnius, Lithuania; Danae from Temple, Texas; Eric from Fenton, Missouri; Mark from Gig...

How different can the church be and still be one? In this conversation, John Mark and Dr. Sittser discuss the development of Christianity in the East, highlighting its cultural diversity, historical divisions and what we can learn today despite the differences that marked that time.

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Allison from Grandville, Michigan; Savannah from San Clemente, California; Leah from Appleton, Wisconsin; Ruby from Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Hoyt from Quincy, Massachusetts. Thank you all very much.

How do you spend your time? In this conversation, John Mark and Dr. Sittser continue exploring the desert movement as it became more organized in monastic communities, and specifically how these communities related to one of humanity’s most valuable commodities: time.

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Aaron from Huntsville, Texas; Sheryl from Auburn, California; Jane from Oxford, Oxfordshire; Eleanor from Eugene, Oregon; and Alexandra from Atlanta, Georgia. Thank you all very much.

If you’d like to p...

How far will we go to discover God more deeply? In this conversation, John Mark and Dr. Gerald Sittser take us into the desert movement of church history and explore how the desert fathers and mothers embraced hardship in pursuit of a deeper life with God.

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Lori from Cleves, Ohio; Karen from Tulare, California; Thomas from Bow, New Hampshire; Lillian from Sussex, Wisconsin; and Caitlin from Wake Forest, North Carolina. Thank you all so...

What difference can being different make? In this conversation, John Mark and Dr. Gerald Sittser uncover how the early church functioned as a genuine, lived community against the backdrop of the dense and challenging environment of Roman cities, and explore why that counter-cultural life drew people in.

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Stephen from Torrance, California; Jordan from Galena, Ohio; Kathy from Corsicana, Texas; Matthew from Williamsburg, Michigan; and Larry from Bradenton, Florida. Thank you all so much!

What happens when our faith comes under pressure? In this conversation, John Mark and Dr. Gerald Sittser discuss the marginalization and persecution of the early disciples of Jesus, and how their faithfulness—rather than their safety—defined the first years of the Christian movement.

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Heather from Littleton, Colorado; Gail from Fillmore, California; Tayler from Cleveland, Utah; Tonya from Ooltewah, Tennessee; and Hannah from Fort Collins, Colorado. Thank you all so much!

If you’...

How has Christian spirituality evolved throughout history? Welcome to a brand-new series of conversations between John Mark and Dr. Gerald Sittser called “Water from a Deep Well.” This series explores the rich history of Christian spirituality and the wisdom of the early followers of Jesus across twelve different eras of the Church.

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Tina from Franklin, Tennessee; Emma from Santa Monica, California; Darby from Huntsville, Alabama; Alicia from Beaverton, Oregon; and Zachary from Ventura, California. Than...

The way of Jesus leads us to a deeper, fuller life. This was true in the ancient world where Jesus first lived and taught, and it’s still true today. But what does it mean to actually practice the way of Jesus in today’s complex, secular world? In this podcast, join John Mark Comer and other guides as they explore this important question through practical teachings and conversations. At Practicing the Way, we are here to help you journey to a deeper life with God.

Discover more of our resources and take your next step at prac...

How do we move forward after forgiveness? John Mark and Bethany Allen walk through the four essential steps of reconciliation—confession, repentance, restitution, and restoration—and show us why forgiveness isn't complete until we've done the hard work of making things right. They challenge us to move beyond our culture's victimization mindset and take personal responsibility for the relationships we've damaged.

Key Scripture Passages: Luke 17v1-4

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to...

What do you do when you can't forgive? Gerald Griffin, pastor and coach at Practicing the Way, walks us through a practical, step-by-step process for moving beyond the decision to forgive into deep emotional healing.

Key Scripture Passages: Matthew 6v9-15

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Adam from Edmonds, Washington; Logan from Grand Rapids, Michigan; Russ from Dublin, Ohio; Verne from Arlington, Texas; and Steve from Delavan, Illinois. Thank you all so m...

How do we truly forgive from the heart? John Mark unpacks Jesus' radical call to forgive without limit and shows us how to absorb evil into ourselves with God's help, becoming agents of healing instead of remaining victims.

Key Scripture Passages: Matthew 18:21-35; Luke 23:32-34; Ephesians 4:30-5:2

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Althea from San Diego, California; Rand from Snohomish, Washington; Cara from Tulsa, Oklahoma; Reed from Gridley, Illinois; and Dalton from...

Why do we need to forgive? Bethany Allen, Associate Pastor at Bridgetown Church, opens a new series on forgiveness by clearing away common misconceptions and returning to the teachings of Jesus. She walks through what forgiveness is not and invites us to release our grip on revenge and surrender to the justice of God.

Key Scripture Passages: Luke 7v36-50; Matthew 6v14-15

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Rebecca from San...

Is noise undermining our spiritual life? John Mark highlights how the increasing "noise" of modern life is detrimental to our souls, exploring the importance of quiet and solitude for our spiritual growth and maturity. He challenges us to fight for solitude, silence, and stillness amidst a world that's louder than ever.

Key Scripture Passages: Luke 5v15-16; Luke 4v1; Mark 1v35; Mark 6v31; Philippians 2v12-13; Hebrews 13v21

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode...

What happened at the Resurrection? John Mark reviews the panoramic impact of the Resurrection on world history, arguing that many of the good things we enjoy result from Jesus's life, ministry, and ongoing Kingdom expressed in the world through his Church.

Key Scripture Passages: Matthew 28v1-7; John 1v8; Colossians 2v9; Hebrews 1v1-3

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Jason from Cape Town, South Africa; Brian from Camby, Indiana; Orrey from Ed...

What does the kingdom of God actually look like? John Mark walks through Isaiah's prophetic vision of the Messiah and the coming Kingdom of God, then explores its fulfillment in Jesus's ministry and parables. He leaves us by challenging us with Jesus's words to "seek first the Kingdom" in a culture full of competing visions of the good life.

Key Scripture Passages: Isaiah 10v33-11v9; Luke 3v21-22; Mark 1v1-3, 14-15; Mark 4v30-34; Matthew 6v21, 31-33

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What is prophecy? John Mark dives into the prophetic books of the library of Scripture and explores what the role of the prophet is in the Old Testament. He shows us how these books are designed to wake us up from our indifference to sin and comfort us in hard situations, and challenges us to lean into God's refining fire.

Key Scripture Passages: Isaiah 1; Hosea 11v8-9; Hebrews 12v5-11; Isaiah 40v1,29-31; Isaiah 50v10; Isaiah 30v15

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What does it mean to "pray continually"? John Mark explores Paul's command to pray without ceasing and introduces the ancient practice of fixed-hour prayer: pausing multiple times throughout the day to reorient your heart and mind toward God. He shows us how prayer is less about getting God to do something and more about moving through all of life in joyful, grateful relationship with Him.

Key Scripture Passages: 1 Thessalonians 5v16-18; Psalm 55v17; Daniel 6v1-10; John 15

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How do we actually pray for others? This week, Alex Rettman offers a practical training on prayer ministry. He covers the theology behind effective prayer and then walks through a simple three-step method: interview, listen to what God is doing, and say or do what He's saying or doing.

Key Scripture Passages: John 5v19; John 8v28; Zephaniah 3v17; Matthew 7v11; Matthew 8v2; Romans 8; 1 Corinthians 12; 1 Corinthians 14v3; 1 Timothy 2v4

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode...

What is "imaginative prayer"? Josh Porter explores the practice of imaginative prayer and shows us how our God-given imagination can become a powerful tool for intimacy with God, showing us how we can use the gift of our imagination as means of encounter with the Trinity.

Key Scripture Passages: Romans 12v2; Philippians 4v8; Colossians 3v1-2; John 14v9; John 1v14; Colossians 1v15; Hebrews 12v1-2; Acts 2v17-18

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode...

Can your singing actually be prayer to God? In this teaching, Alex Rettman explores three powerful truths about worship: it changes us as we behold God's glory, it moves God's heart when we offer costly praise, and it shifts circumstances as we lay a target for His kingdom to come. He shows us how worship isn't just about singing songs: it's about expressing our delight in God in ways that complete our joy and partner with Him in pushing back darkness.

Key Scripture Passages: Exodus 33v18-23; John 1v18; 2 Corinthians 3v16-18; Psalm 22v3...

Why do so many of our prayers seem to go unanswered? John Mark tackles one of the most difficult tensions in the Christian life: how to square Jesus's bold promise of "ask anything in my name and I will do it" with the reality of unanswered prayer. He explores fifteen reasons our prayers might not be answered the way we expect and closes by introducing the ancient practice of lament as a way to meet God honestly in our pain.

Key Scripture Passages: John 14v12-14; John 15v7, 16; John 16v23-24; Psalm 13; Psalm 66v18...

Why should we pray? John Mark covers Jesus' teaching and parable on prayer in Luke 11 to show us that prayer is a way to collaborate with God to create good in the world, challenging us to believe Jesus and continually petition our Father with shameless audacity.

Key Scripture Passages: Luke 11v1-13; Genesis 1v26-28; Genesis 2v15-17; Genesis 3v6-7; Exodus 32v1-10

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Drew from G...

What does it mean to pray without ceasing? Father Rick Ganz explores contemplative prayer drawing from John 15 and the image of the vine and branches. He introduces the ancient Jesuit practice of the Examen and offers a beautiful vision of prayer as enjoying God's presence in all of the moments of our lives.

Key Scripture Passages: Luke 18v40-43; John 15v1-9

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Sid from Tuscaloosa, Alabama...

How should we pray? John Mark digs into the Lord's Prayer, and what it shows us about Jesus's posture toward prayer, challenging us to engage in prayer from a place of delight rather than rote discipline.

Key Scripture Passages: Luke 5v15-16; Luke 6v12; Luke 9v18, 28-34; Luke 11v1-4

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Joel from Olalla, Washington; Danny from Tucson, Arizona; Greg from Lynn Haven, Florida; Jake from Yakima, Was...

What does it look like to keep growing in our faith? John Mark unpacks the three essential shifts in our journey of discipleship—moving from fear to trust, despair to hope, and self-focus to love. He explains how the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love aren't just feelings but settled conditions of the heart that develop over a lifetime of following Jesus.

Key Scripture Passages: 1 John 4v18; 1 Corinthians 13v13

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for th...

What does it look like to stay faithful to Jesus through every season of life? John Mark unpacks the concept of the "first and second halves of life"—a simple but profound framework for understanding the different stages of spiritual maturity. He explores the unique temptations and invitations of each season, showing us how transformation isn't about climbing higher but about surrendering deeper.

Key Scripture Passages: John 21v18; Genesis 2v24; Matthew 7v21-23; 1 Corinthians 3v1-3; Hebrews 5v12-14

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This is an episode from the Practicing the Way podcast. To dig deeper into the ideas from today's teaching, you can find more by searching for "Practicing the Way" wherever you get your podcasts.

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How do we change our deepest sin patterns? John Mark explores the four layers of sin we must navigate on the spiritual journey—from major sins to unconscious patterns to our deepest attachments. He shows us why true transformation requires moving past behavior modification into the painful but liberating work of surrendering everything we cling to for happiness and peace.

What is God like? John Mark dives into Matthew 11v25-30, exploring what it means that Jesus is "gentle and humble of heart" and showing why grasping this truth is essential for finding true rest for our souls in a culture of burnout and exhaustion.

Key Scripture Passages: Matthew 11v25-30; Ephesians 4v2; Colossians 3v12; 1 Peter 3v4; Philippians 2v5-8

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Annemarie from Norwood, South Australia; Seth...

How do we love well? Bethany Allen explores the final theme of Advent: love. She shows us that receiving love requires surrender, vulnerability, and trust, and challenges us to intentionally receive God's love as an active, life-changing invitation to become the people we were always meant to be.

Key Scripture Passages: Micah 5v2-5a; 1 John 4v10

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: James from Stafford, Virginia; Barb from Bluffton, South Carolina...

What does the arrival of Jesus have to do with joy? Ken Shigematsu explores how Christ's coming brings what Tolkien called "the sudden, joyous turn"—a miraculous shift in our story that gives us cause for deep and enduring joy, even in the midst of sorrow.

Key Scripture Passages: Luke 1v26-38, 46-49; Luke 2v8-14, 19; 1 Corinthians 2v9

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Rebekah from Springfield, Ohio; Randy from Eagle, Idaho; Am...

How do we experience more peace? In this Advent teaching, John Mark shares about his journey with anxiety and explores the theme of peace throughout the Scriptures. He challenges us to see that inner peace isn't just about feeling better—it's essential for becoming people of love.

Key Scripture Passages: Colossians 3:15; John 14:27; John 20:19-21; 1 John 4:18

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Brad from Dallas, Texas; Alexa from Tampa, Florida; Dan from Sellersville, Pe...

What does it mean to wait with hope? Gemma Ryan explores the story of Simeon—a man who waited decades for the Messiah—and invites us into three transformative questions: What are you waiting for? Who are you becoming as you wait? And what is sustaining you in the waiting? She shows us how waiting isn't passive but active, and how our seasons of in-between can become the very places where God refines and transforms us.

Key Scripture Passages: Luke 2v1-7, 22-35; Psalm 130; Isaiah 40; Galatians 4v4

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What do we do when community gets difficult? John Mark explores the inevitable challenges that arise in deep community and introduces a six-stage cycle that all healthy relationships go through. He shares why commitment is required to stay together long enough to actually grow into people of love.

Key Scripture Passages: 1 Corinthians 3v1-4; Matthew 6v15

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Connie from Newton, Kansas; Gayle from Woodstock, Georgia; Todd from Co...