On Soul Care: Prayer & Practice in African American Christianity with Barbara Peacock

Sacred Ordinary Days with Jenn Giles Kemper

Experienced spiritual director and award-winning author Dr. Barbara Peacock joins Jenn to share the compelling, beautiful ways in which African American women and men throughout history have approached soul care, prayer, and spiritual direction. Dr. Peacock also gives a glimpse into how a great cloud of witnesses has shaped her vocation and personal to ministry. Dr. Peacock and Jenn discuss the power of sabbath in our walk toward wholeness, the necessity of lament in our lives, and the gift of reflecting on our personal spiritual autobiographies.

On this episode of Sacred Ordinary Days with Jenn Giles Kemper, Dr. Peacock:

• Explores how spiritual disciplines are woven into African American culture and lived out in the rich heritage of its faith community.
• Provides examples of Black Christians who have shaped her faith.
• Shares about how growing up on a farm rooted in her in a contemplative tradition.
• Reflects on the significance of watching her grandmother pray.
• Reads a stirring excerpt from her book Soul Care in African American Practice.

About the guest: Dr. Peacock is a preacher, teacher, and spiritual director. She holds a Doctorate of Ministry from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary with a dissertation emphasis on spiritual direction and soul care. She lives in North Carolina with her husband. Her latest book, Soul Care in African American Practice, received the 2021 Christianity Today Award of Merit for Spiritual Formation.

We’re proud to carry her book in our spiritual formation bookshop.

Reflection point: Dr. Peacock teaches classes about writing spiritual autobiographies. As you’ve reflected on this episode, consider why it’s important to connect the dots of God’s presence in your life. As Jenn asked Dr. Peacock, can you recall a time when you felt deeply aware of your calling and vocation?

• Dr. Barbara Peacock
• Soul Care in African American Practice
• Soul Care in African American Practice Workbook

About Sacred Ordinary Days with Jenn Giles Kemper: Sacred Ordinary Days with Jenn Giles Kemper explores faith where it hits the pavement of work, relationships, creativity, and real life. Inspired by Jenn’s curiosity and faith (and her work as a minister and spiritual director) we’re crafting a show to help you meaningfully explore your own life with Christ — and ultimately lead you to become more wholly human and more fully faithful. On Tuesdays, join us for a conversation with folks whose words, work, and witness have shaped our team’s understanding of God and practice of faith. (Plus, we’re featuring lots of good music, prompts for your reflection and practice, and plenty of invitations into a community of kindred spirits!)

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