Hello There ~
Just a little about me, in case you are wondering. I am a spiritual director and retreat leader, a student of coaching with iPEC, and a husband and father. I live in the beautiful town of Colorado Springs, Colorado. I enjoy hiking, fly-fishing, mountain biking, playing the guitar, singing, song-writing, reading, Centering Prayer, strong coffee and full-flavored red wines. I grew up in Oklahoma and have lived most of my adult life in beautiful North Carolina and beautiful Colorado. I completed my studies at Oklahoma City University for undergrad, Emory University for seminary and Fuller Theological Seminary for my doctorate. I completed my spiritual direction training with Shalem Institute. I have over 30 years experience serving in local church ministries in the United Methodist Church.
I am now appointed beyond the local church by my Bishop, Karen Oliveto, to Anam Cara Ministries as a partnered Peregrini Spiritual Director. I am also the founder of Headwatersofhope.org, where you can connect with me more about my spiritual direction, retreat and coaching practice.
Over the years, I have been fortunate to study with the following folks and consider them to be the most formative spiritual teachers in my life: Richard Rohr, Thomas Keating, Dallas Willard, James Fowler, Roberta Bondi, Mike Yaconelli, Mark Yaconelli, Tilden Edwards and Rose Mary Dougherty. In my work, I frequently draw upon those fine souls, as well as others, such as Henri Nouwen, Brennan Manning, Eugene Peterson, Parker Palmer, C.S. Lewis and Richard Foster.
Most of my life, I have felt at home as a religious and spiritual adventurer. I take great joy in drawing from my “one deep religious well” (as Rohr puts it). That well includes saints and mystics from Methodism, Anglicanism, Catholicism, Celtic Christianity, the Church undivided, the desert fathers and mothers, the disciples, Jesus, his home tradition of Judaism, all the way down to Abraham, who discovered God’s love and presence during an age when multiple gods and goddesses were worshiped across the land. My one deep well continues to lift and nourish my life!
Well, thanks for reading. And for listening! I would enjoy hearing from you and learning about your life as well, so shoot me a note sometime at todd@anamcara.com. Even better, come up here to the Rocky Mountains for a personal or group retreat with me sometime.
Deepest Peace with You,
Todd
Lectio Divina 
Hi! I’m 73 years old, Widowed. I always had a very strong prayer life. In March 2007 I lost the oldest of three children Richard at 42 in an accident. My younger son Troy was serving his 2nd tour in Iraq. Simply stated I lost my faith. I now belong to the Order of Daughters of the King. Saint James the Apostle Episcopal Church in Conroe Texas. Our Order has an active Prayer group about 25 ladies. I am trying to work my way back from the depression of losing Richard. I don’t drive any more and live with Troy in Conroe my lifestyle now affords me hours alone with nothing but time, so my prayer life with the Order is wonderful. Quite by accident I found your website yesterday. I was looking for Lexio Divina yesterday something I had been introduced to at Ville Matel In Houston at a silent retreat. I am so thankful for your Pod Cast and was hopeful you will continue
Our Order has an up dated Confidential Prayer list weekly. This would be a wonderful introduction before we begin our prayers. I would love to forward your information to the ladies.
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Hi Eileen,
It is wonderful to have you and get your note! Please do share my podcast with any and all. Thank you for your gift of prayer on behalf of others. I trust that God leans in and is near in our praying — with or without words. I will enjoy hearing more from you down the line!
Deepest Peace,
Todd
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Thank you for your Podcast…I really appreciate it! I’m a UCC minister in Northern Illinois and your Lectio Divina offerings are nourishing and so very helpful in sermon preparation and in getting in touch with, getting deeper into the Scripture. I first learned about Centering Prayer and Father Thomas Keating’s work at Chicago Theological Seminary (MDIv) from Professor George Cairns. I held off with a full practice until there were others in my area who were well versed in this prayer. I understand the power of Centering Prayer and how it is best to weave an individual practice in with a group too. Your Podcast is part of that, as well as two groups that are now in Rockford, Illinois that I attend regularlly, as well as one now in DeKalb, Illinois. So happy to find your ministry and inspiration. Blessings to you and yours. Dina
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So great to hear from you, Dina! I really enjoyed hearing about our common connections with contemplative life and practices. That Thomas Keating is a wonderful gift to the world. Back in 1989 I was lucky to be with him as he led a Centering Prayer retreat for a small group of us — like 25 of us — at the Saint Francis monastery here in Colorado Springs. It was such a meaningful experience. But I didn’t really weave the practice into my life until a number of years later. Now, it’s one of my core practices. The fact that CTS actually included CP in your education is encouraging and impressive! Let’s stay in touch.
Deepest Peace,
Todd
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Thanks, Todd! Great to o great to hear from you too! Wow, what a wonderfu gift to be with Thomas Keating in such a small setting!!! I’m sure the Presence of God was expecially powerful!!! I’m hoping to one day make the trip out to Colorado and/or meet him in Chicago. Yes, he’s a wonderful gift to the world, and I’m so glad that my seminary and Professor Cairnes were and are so wise about that. I’d love to stay in touch! Thank you again and Blessings! Dina
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Yes, let’s stay in touch!
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Hi Todd. I came across your name and podcast as I was preparing to preach. How awesome to see all that you’re doing, where God has led you. Bobbie
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Hello there, Bobbie!
Thank you for the note. It has been fun to have numerous who preach come along for the ride. As you might have already discovered, I have a few years worth of lectios available in my archives, so use that Search field and see if a particular text you’re working with is in there if you feel so led. Also, I would enjoy learning a little more about you if you would share. It really helps me to have folks’ stories in mind as I continue this online contemplative work. It can be rather isolating on my end without my listeners reaching back a little bit. Anyway, either way, welcome! And may God’s presence be sensed in your day today.
Deepest Peace,
Todd
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Hey, Todd ! My name is Guy Moore and I am a ” retired ” pastor after having served for almost 30 years as the Pastoral Counselor at a local church here in the Springs. For the last 6 years my best friend and I have been reading through Richard Rohr’s writings and as a result are more excited about our Christian faith than ever before !
We would like to connect up with others in this journey, but don’t know where to even start ??!! Perhaps, if your schedule allows we could hook up for lunch/coffee after the start of the new year ? If not, could you recommend some other like – minded individuals ?? We would be grateful for any suggestions. Thanks so very much !
Sincerely,
Guy Moore
591-8657
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Hi Guy,
I sent you a text via the number you provided. Did you get it? Or, maybe it’s not a mobile number. At any rate, good to hear from you. I hope we can meet up after the holidays! How’d you get introduced to Rohr? I look forward to learning more about your journey, Guy. And may your Christmas and New Year be rich with peace and rest.
Grace,
Todd
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Hey, Todd ! Sorry that I’m just now getting back to you, but the holidays were a bit crazy ( good crazy, I might add ! ) and would still love to connect with you ! I pretty much work primarily through my home phone which is 719-591-8657. My young adult daughters give me continual grief over my stubborn unwillingness to text and engage with social media. 🙂
Regardless, I’d still love to meet up for lunch or coffee when you have the time.
Thanks, Bro !
Grace to you, as well !!!!!!!!!!!!
Guy
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I love this podcast. It has brought my wife and I such blessing and peace. I feel much closer to God when I start my day this way. I just listen to them over and over again 🙂 Thank you for this resource Todd!
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Hi Nicky!
Thank you so much for your note. It’s nice to know that you and your wife are along with me listening for God! From what part of the world are you listening? How’d you find my podcast? Thanks again!
Deepest Peace of Christ,
Todd
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Hi there,
Just a quick question. The photo used in your page header- where did you take it? It reminds me of the many ruins of various churches I visted this past August in Scotland. I had the pleasure of spending a few hours on Iona and touring the Abby, church, and other buildings. It was incredibly inspiring.
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Hi Heather,
It’s gratifying that you are another with appreciation of this! I took that photo of the Abbey ruins on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne off the coast of Scotland/England on the North Sea a few years ago. I was there for 10 days, studying Celtic spiritual/theological heritage while working on my doctorate. You probably know that Lindisfarne was a daughter Celtic Christian community to Iona and our Irish ancestors of the faith. I am deeply touched and inspired by so much of that part of our roots. Thanks for asking about the photo! Love for you to share similar ones!
Be Well,
Deepest Peace,
Todd
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Hello Todd,
Following the bread crumbs in my spiritual journey brought me to Lectio and more recently, Centering Prayer. I’m reading Keating right now. The seeds of all this started many moons ago! I’m thankful for the Lord’s patience. We began a lectio group at our church a couple years ago and surfing the Web, I happened on your website. Love it. Keep up the good work, I’ll remember you in my prayers and be back to visit this site often.
George
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Good morning, George. It was a delight to get your note. Thank you for your kind thoughts and for taking a moment to share them! I too practice centering prayer. It’s at the core of my rhythms. Lectio and centering prayer are very nice companions, in my experience. Tell your group I send my warmest greetings and pray for deepening love with God as you all continue the path!
Deepest Peace,
Todd
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Hi, Todd. I would like to speak to you about your retreat offerings.
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Wonderful! Shoot me an email with contact info and we’ll talk. Mine is toddaspencer@me.com.
Peace!
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Beautiful music on your lectio podcast today! Great thoughts today during your readings. The ordinary became the extraordinary that day Jesus first walked along that shore! Heaven and earth overlapped and interlocked forever…remembering that today. Thanks Todd, and blessings to you.
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Thank you, George! Beautiful way to put it…And peace, Todd
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Hi Todd. Two weeks ago i was diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer. Since this diagnosis my prayer life has blossomed without my really doing more or anything. I spend 20 minutes three times daily in silent centered prayer. Tomorrow I will include your podcast in place of one of my sessions. I don’t know what the future will bring, Todd, but I do know that with God’s help, I will be healed.
Peace.
Chris
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Dear Chris,
I sighed in reading of your health news. My goodness, life is fragile. And I sighed again in joy, reading of your felt nearness of God’s help. Please know that I feel a deep honor to get to be one part of your spiritual journey right now. I pray with you for that healing you are trusting in. I also pray for just the right folks to be at your side. Thank you for writing, Chris! Keep me up.
In God’s Grace with You,
Todd
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Hi Chris, I prayed for you this morning, again…I hope it’s ok that I invited some close friends to pray for you as well. Is this alright?
Deep, Felt, Peace,
Todd
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Hi Todd, I found your site through the First News at FUMC. I am not a member, but I follow the activities and worship services through FaceBook. I have been looking into meditative prayer as a way to slow down and relieve tension, but just couldn’t find what I needed to guide me . Your posts are exactly what I was looking for! I have tried in years past to establish a meditation practice through the readings of Richard Foster , Richard Rohr, and others, but I guess I needed something concrete to help me. I want to thank you for your spiritual offerings, I plan on going back through the archives to guide me as I go to God. God’s blessings to you as you continue this ministry in a troubled world.
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Hello Robin!
Very good to hear from you. And thank you for your kind input. I’m so glad you found my podcast. If you’re interested, you can subscribe to my podcast and you’ll get a little email each time I post another episode. I’m trying to remember, have we met in person yet? I apologize if I have forgotten. I hope we can stay connected!
Deepest Peace,
Todd
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Hi Todd,
Thank you for your podcast. I am a United Methodist pastor serving in rural South Central Pennsylvania. This year I felt led to preach lectionary hoping to challenge both myself and my congregation.
When our state when on “lockdown” because of COVID-19 in March, I started looking for online resources that would lead me into a deeper relationship with God. I decided to search “lectionary lectio divina” (lectio divina is something I have practiced for several years) and yours was the first website to come up.
Again, thank you. You and your podcast have been a blessing to me, and to my congregation, I believe. Because it has changed how I prepare a sermon, and it helps me truly listen for God’s voice. I listen to the weekly podcast on average of 3-4 times a week.
I hope you have remained strong and healthy throughout this time. You are in my prayers.
God’s deepest peace be with you,
Kim C.
Bethel UMC
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Wow, what a delight to get your note, Kim! Thank you so much for taking the time to reach out. It has made my day. This covid time has been challenging and surreal at times, while also providing some glimpses of goodness, especially allowing some extra time with my wife and two sons. Knock on wood, we have remained healthy. And our congregation is holding up even better than I had expected at the outset. May your day be replete with peace and love and connection, Kim. Be well!
Todd
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I am a huge fan of your podcast. I really appreciate the thought you put into the readings, and enjoy the time you carve out for me to engage the scriptures every week. It has become an essential part of my weekly sermon writing routine, and I am grateful!
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Hi Doug,
Thank you so much for those kind words! They do my heart good. Where do you serve? I always love it when I hear about folks allowing my podcast to support their sermon prep. You take care. And stay in touch.
Peace,
Todd
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