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, Washington; and Randy from Dallas, Texas. Thank you all so much!



If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

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 this episode goes to: Jordan from Liberty, South Carolina; Heather from Huntsville, Texas; Lifepoint Church from Palm Bay, Florida; Matthew from Plymouth, Michigan; and Paul from San Mateo, California. Thank you all so much!

If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

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

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Shanon from Lynchburg, Virginia; Georgia from Clermont, Florida; Laura from Portland, Oregon; Kim from Battle Creek, Michigan; and Roger from Irvine, California. Thank you all so much!



If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

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.

--

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.

Key Scripture Passages: Galatians 5v19-21; 1 John 5v16-17; James 1v4

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 San Diego, California; Tyler from Rockvale, Tennessee; Kate from Landrum, South Carolina; Jaime from Highlands Ranch, Colorado; and Jessica from Richardson, Texas. Thank you all so much!

If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

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 from Cincinnati, Ohio; Esther from Waynesville, Missouri; Tom from Brunswick, Maine; and Jay from Richmond, Texas. Thank you all so much!

If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

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; Brandon from Havre, Montana; Jared from Huger, South Carolina; and Nicole from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Thank you all very much!

If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

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; Amy from Cambridge, Massachusetts; Catherine from Lynnwood, Washington; and Sarah from Portland, Oregon. Thank you all so much!

If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

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, Pennsylvania; Andrew from Floyds Knobs, Indiana; and Heather from Camarillo, California. Thank you all so much!

If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.