Invitation: Discerning God’s Voice and Presence with Tyler Staton

Our suffering is precious to God. Our suffering also holds a strange invitation to encounter the love of God more deeply and discern his voice more clearly.

In this episode of The Digital Examen’s special five-part mini-series, host Jay Y. Kim welcomes pastor and author Tyler Staton, who opens up about his cancer journey, discerning God’s familiar voice, and learning what it means to be truly loved.

Together, Kim and Staton break down the myth that God only moves through predictable moments and means. Instead, they explore how his presence meets us through both our formal spiritual practices and all of the moments in between—small interruptions, family commitments, and even seasons of suffering. By sharing personal stories like coaching Little League, Staton shares why practicing ordinary spiritual rhythms, cultivating community, and embracing the unique limitations and opportunities of our season of life can train us to recognize God’s familiar voice and loving presence every day in unexpected ways.

Tune in to discover a vision of faith that is less about striving and more about staying present and open to God’s love, especially when life feels anything but peaceful.

For deeper reflection and guidance, check out Jay Y. Kim's new book, The Pace of Peace (www.ivpress.com/the-pace-of-peace), which invites you to discover the peace and ease of being present, known, and fully loved by God.

This episode highlights the following themes:
✅ How to invite God’s presence into your everyday life
✅ Why we often miss God’s familiar voice
✅ How to believe God’s love for us when we have nothing to offer

Links from this episode:
✅ Learn more about Tyler Staton (www.tylerstaton.com/)
✅ Check out The Familiar Stranger (amzn.to/4bYC1vP) and After Amen by Tyler Staton (amzn.to/4bDZ4fi)
✅ Read the transcript here (drive.google.com/file/d/1t2bH6WiZZz8MtiyO02GZHPMM6uv3j0uF/view)
✅ Learn more about The Digital Examen (www.ivpress.com/)
✅ Learn more about your host, Jay Y. Kim (jaykimthinks.com/)
✅ Listen to Meditations from The Digital Examen (podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meditations-from-the-digital-examen/id1777487307)
✅ Download a Guide to The Examen (www.ivpress.com/Media/Default/Downloads/digital-examen-podcast/The-Examen.pdf)

Continue attuning to God’s pace by reading Jay Y. Kim’s new book, The Pace of Peace (www.ivpress.com/the-pace-of-peace). Drawing on the Prayer of Examen developed by Ignatius of Loyola as a framework for all of life, Kim guides readers through the movements of this ancient prayer practice—invitation, gratitude, reflection, confession, and looking forward—to point us toward the antidotes for the aches of our distracted age.

Credits:
✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com (www.ivpress.com/) and use the code IVPEXAMEN40 for 40% off and free shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.
✅ Consulting Producer: Helen Lee
✅ Producers: Christine Pelliccio Melo and Travis Albritton
✅ Assistant Producer: Jack Reece
✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts (honestpodcasts.com/)
✅ Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne
✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard and Elsbette San Blas
✅ Theme Song: "For They Will Inherit the Earth" by Stephen Keech

==== Time Stamps ====

00:00 – Introduction
06:05 – About Tyler Staton
07:07 – Suffering and the Presence of God
10:29 – Learning Through Pain and Healing
15:42 – When the Narrow Path Gets Tough
19:25 – Hearing God's Familiar Voice
20:35 – Ordinary Practice Prepares Us for the Big Moments
24:07 – Reflection and Prayer on Unexpected Places
26:00 – The Everyday Context: Family, Church, and Chaos
28:03 – Three Ingredients for Spiritual Formation
32:15 – Real-Life Daily Rhythms
34:25 – Spiritual Formation in the Smallest Moments
36:32 – Blessing for Noticing God in the Mess
39:27 – Closing Prayer

Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

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