In this episode, we welcome author, counselor, and speaker John Eldredge to the show, who is best known for his book Wild at Heart. We have a powerful conversation about intimacy with God in a world full of chaos, suffering, and spiritual hunger. We reflect on what it means to reclaim a "re-enchanted" Christian worldview, how to pray against chaos, the profound gift women have to offer the world right now. We also talk practically about how to pray as a couple, ask John to lead us in a guided "Pause" prayer, and invite you into a moment of stillness, surrender, and loving awareness of Jesus dwelling within you.

Heather's One Thing - Midst from the Belonging Co.

Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Story I'll Tell by Naomi Raine

Michelle's One Thing - The Way of Trust and Love by Father Jacques Philippe

Michelle's Other One Thing - Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry

John's One Thing - The Abiding Together Podcast!

John's Other One Thing - William Augusto Instrumental Background Music

Other Resources Mentioned:

The Pause App
John Eldredge's Website "Wild at Heart"
Waking the Dead by John Eldredge
The Sacred Romance by John Eldredge
Experience Jesus. Really. by John Eldredge

Announcement:

Our 2026 Lenten book study will be "The Way of Trust and Love" by Fr. Jacques Philippe. Scepter Publishers has offered 15% off with the code ABIDE15. They also offer an ebook version as well. We will announce more information about the study in the coming weeks!

Journal Questions:

How am I living like a "practical atheist"?
Where are you experiencing chaos in your domain?
When in your day can you turn toward the Lord with a simple prayer?
How have I experienced the friendship and communion of the Kingdom of Heaven in my life?
Where in my life am I believing I am too much and not enough?

Discussion Questions:

How would you define your domain? What has God entrusted to you?
When have you experienced God's beauty and order in the midst of chaos and hatred?
How have simple prayers led to transformation in your life?
How is God inviting you to be a healing remedy to the world right now?

Quote to Ponder:

"The story of your life is the story of the long and brutal assault on your heart by the one who knows what you could be and fears it." (John Eldredge, Waking the Dead)

Scripture for Lectio:

"The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)

Sponsor - Fully Alive Coaching Program:

Fully Alive Coaching Program is a trauma-informed Catholic coaching program for women and men who desire deep healing without compromising their faith. Created by licensed marriage and family therapist Brya Hanan, Fully Alive integrates Catholic Inner Child Work and somatic awareness in a gentle, Spirit-led journey—honoring the body, protecting the soul, and restoring wholeness.

For women and men who pray sincerely but still feel guarded, overwhelmed, or fragmented, Fully Alive offers a safe and structured path toward integration and life abundant. Learn more at catholicinnerchildwork.com/fully-alive and follow @catholicinnerchildwork for more trauma-informed and integrative resources to support your healing.

Use the code "abiding" or reference it during a consultation to get 10% off!

Timestamps: 00:00 - Fully Alive Coaching Program

01:16 - Intro

02:02 - Welcome

04:18 - Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder

06:11 - Where is the Holy Spirit Moving the Church Now?

10:54 - Balancing the Love Story within a World at War

14:08 - Learning to Pray Against the Chaos

19:10 - How to Pray Together as A Couple

21:39 - Being in Union with God

26:13 - How Does God Use Fatherhood to Repair His Children?

29:30 - The Pause App

33:45 - We Are Created for Intimacy with Christ

37:48 - Women are Part of God's Healing Remedy to the World

40:22 - One Last Message from John

44:20 - A "Pause" Meditation

48:30 - One Things

S18 E4 - Communion with God with John Eldredge