Author Archives: Steve Harper

Episode 30 (8:23) We live the spiritual life by cultivating the parts of it that have the greatest potential. In this episode we look at some ways to do that.

Episode 29 (8:07) The spiritual life is lived best when our inner and outer life match. In this episode, we look at ways to establish and maintain this alignment.

Episode 28 (6:25) In the spiritual journey we inevitably come to the place where we have to let go of some things in order to make progress. In this episode we explore the idea of abandonment, and how it opens … Continue reading →

Episode 27 (7:54) We appropriate the spiritual life by practicing the words of Jesus: ask, seek, and knock. In this episode we look at how these three things enable us to turn discoveries into experience.

Episode 26 (9:54) We practice the spiritual life by paying attention. In this episode we use the lenses of nature, scripture, and our lives to become attentive, and we do so naturally.

Episode 24 (6;37) The spiritual life begins to be lived in an experience of awakening. In this episode we explore aspects of “waking up” to God and to abundant living. https://anchor.fm/steve-harper1

Episode 23 (9:04) In this episode we begin looking at the sixth and final foundational question of the spiritual life, the “how” question. It’s the application question, the one that moves theory into practice–the inevitable question that expresses our hunger … Continue reading →

Episode 22 (8:05) In this episode I offer the paradigm, the “big picture” that I am using to move the series along…and…I connect the series to the larger Oboedire ministry of spiritual formation that I launched in 2010 https://anchor.fm/steve-harper1/episodes/Conversations-2-e13r0r7

Episode 21 (8:16) The present moment is the only real time we have. Spirituality is reality, and now is the time to cultivate our faith, fullness, and formation. https://anchor.fm/steve-harper1/episodes/When–Living-the-Spiritual-Life-in-the-Now-e13l2bh

Episode 20 (10:37) In this episode we explore the connection between spirituality and location, focusing on six places that foster growth in the spiritual life…. https://anchor.fm/steve-harper1/episodes/Where-Do-We-Live-the-Spiritual-Life-e1385s5

Episode 19 (9:07) Turning to the “who” question, we find that the spiritual life is for everyone and everything. In this episode we look at both of those dimensions, with the aim of showing the attractiveness and attainability of the … Continue reading →

Episode 18 (9:18) The spiritual life is important because it cultivates virtue: inward character, outward conduct, and healthy community. We thrive when these three qualities define and direct our lives. https://anchor.fm/steve-harper1/episodes/Vision-e12025m

Episode 17 (6:35) The spiritual life is important because it gives us vision–the vision that we are God’s beloved children, and that we have a place in God’s plan. We look at these two things in this episode https://anchor.fm/steve-harper1/episodes/Vision-e12025m

Episode 16 “Vitality” (7:27) The spiritual life is important because it increases our sense of “aliveness.” In this episode we look at vitality from the vantage points of expansion, wholeness, and hope. https://anchor.fm/steve-harper1/episodes/Vitality-e11oqu6

Episode 15 (7:14) This episode begins a new round of visits in which we will explore the significance of the spiritual life–looking at its importance in relation to intentionality and growth. https://anchor.fm/steve-harper1/episodes/Why-Is-The-Spiritual-Life-Important-e11bcho

Episode 14 (8:48) Periodically, I will step out of the thematic flow of the podcast and interact with you about things I am hearing from you. Today, I respond to inquiries about the vision which gives rise to “Heart Sounds,” … Continue reading →

Episode 13 (9:07) In this episode we look at one final aspect of the Grand Story: cosmic community, manifested in our interbeing, individuation, intercommunion, and interdependence. We have lost this aspect of the Grand Story, and in doing so we … Continue reading →

Episode 12 (8:16) Continuing our look at the Grand Story, we focus in this episode on joy, exploring its inward and outward dimensions in the spiritual life. https://anchor.fm/steve-harper1

Episode 11 (8:20) Continuing our look at the Grand Story, we explore desirability in this episode, learning that the spiritual life is not imposed upon us. It arises from us. Psalm 42:1 is the focal text for this episode. https://anchor.fm/steve-harper1/episodes/Desirability-e10efbh

Episode 10 (8:51) In this episode we look at a second aspect of the Grand Story: mystery, and how it enriches the spiritual life. https://anchor.fm/steve-harper1/episodes/Mystery-e107uva

Episode 9, “Singularity” (6:56) “Heart Sounds” Episode 9, “Singularity” We continue looking at the Grand Story. Today, we focus on singularity. Ultimate Reality (God) is one. In this episode we show how singularity enriches our view of God and our … Continue reading →

Episode 8 (7:36) Our longing to live a spiritual life is older than any of the world’s religions. Before there were stories, there was the Grand Story. We look at it in this episode. https://anchor.fm/steve-harper1/episodes/The-Grand-Story-evos4s

Episode 7 (9:31) Today we explore a phrase many are using to describe their hunger for God while being honest about their disillusionment with institutional religion. This episode offers some ways to live when we feel this way–things we can … Continue reading →

Episode 6 (7:01) Spiritual formation is the way we enrich our spiritual life. In this episode we look at why it is important and how it occurs… https://anchor.fm/steve-harper1/episodes/Spiritual-Formation-ev9kvj

Episode 5 (7:52) When we use the word ‘spirituality’ we mean various things. This episode looks at four of them. Listen here, or on other platforms: Anchor, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Breakers, PocketCasts, or RadioPublic. The “Heart Sounds” facebook page supports … Continue reading →

Episode 4 In this episode we look at “life,” the energy of the spiritual life. We explore its two fundamental dimensions and our need to grow in both of them. https://anchor.fm/steve-harper1/episodes/Life-eur8d0

Episode 2 https://anchor.fm/steve-harper1

I have been in discernment regarding whether or not to follow through on the suggestion of friends the past year or two: to begin a podcast. I have decided to give it a try, and today “Heart Sounds” launches with … Continue reading →