Episode 190: W. David O. Taylor

Uncertainty and destabilization comes at a moment’s notice. When faced with uncertain times, what do we turn to? W. David O. Taylor turned towards writing prayers in the form of collects when the world shut down March 15th, 2020. In this conversation, David explores various spiritual disciplines and practices for deepening one's prayer life and connection to God, especially during times of uncertainty. He shares how writing ancient-style prayers called "collects" brought him comfort during the pandemic, and discusses the importance of community, creativity, and ordering desires through prayer. Our conversation offers insights into cultivating spirituality through different artistic mediums, architectural spaces, and focusing on God's faithfulness rather than becoming overwhelmed by life's challenges. Join us as we discover prayer through the collect and root ourselves in our connection with God.

W. David O. Taylor is Associate Professor of Theology and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary and the author of several books, including "Prayers for the Pilgrimage" (IVP, 2024), "A Body of Praise" (Baker Academic, 2023), "Open and Unafraid" (Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins, 2020), and "Glimpses of the New Creation" (Eerdmans, 2019). He has also written for The Washington Post, Image Journal, Religion News Service, Theology Today, and Christianity Today, among others. An Anglican priest, he has lectured widely on the arts, from Thailand to South Africa. In 2016 he produced a short film on the psalms with Bono and Eugene Peterson. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his children and artist wife, Phaedra, with whom he has produced three sets of illustrated prayer cards.

David's Book:
Prayers for the Pilgrimage