We’re often unprepared or unwilling to face experiences of loss and suffering. But in fact, they are opportunities for deep encounters with the presence and mercy of God.

Tish Harrison Warren is a writer and a priest in the Anglican Church in North America. Her book Liturgy of the Ordinary was Christianity Today’s 2018 book of the year, and she just released Prayer in the Night: For Those Who Work or Watch or Weep a few weeks ago.

This episode ends up being a deep-dive into the subject of suffering, grief, and lament, exploring the various ways North American culture both inside and outside the church have taught us to avoid them. And while the conversation is weighty, it’s not without hope. At its heart, the Christian faith has its roots in the knowledge that our God not only meets us in suffering, but as Tish puts it, he got there first. His presence with us is our hope for both life and death.

Cultivated is a production of Christianity Today.

It was produced by Mike Cosper.

It was edited by Mark Owens.

Our theme song is “Eden Was A Garden” by Roman Candle.

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