Jeff McLain
@jeffmclain.bsky.social
Lead A Quiet Life | Recovering a rooted Christian way of life through the Lord's Prayer, ancient habits, and simple Jesus communities.
Dad · Writer · Pastor · Doctoral Student
Dad · Writer · Pastor · Doctoral Student
Pinned
Jeff McLain
@jeffmclain.bsky.social
· Jul 27
Jeff McLain
Exploring the Lord’s Prayer for Spiritual Formation and Simple Faith
JeffMcLain.com
The Lord’s Prayer is an ancient practice that is confessional, reorders our priorities, provides a theological trellis, roots us in the way of Jesus, and connects us to the global and historic Church. I write about the Lord’s Prayer and recovering a rooted Christian way of life at JeffMcLain.com.
Can a Bible be both free and trustworthy?
I started researching that question after digging into the New English Translation—and I found more options than I expected.
A blog post on @patheos.com
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
I started researching that question after digging into the New English Translation—and I found more options than I expected.
A blog post on @patheos.com
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
Can A Bible Be Both Free And Trustworthy?
Can a Bible Be Both Free and Trustworthy? Exploring eight accessible, open, and less copyright-restricted English Bible translations.
www.patheos.com
September 12, 2026 at 4:34 PM
Can a Bible be both free and trustworthy?
I started researching that question after digging into the New English Translation—and I found more options than I expected.
A blog post on @patheos.com
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
I started researching that question after digging into the New English Translation—and I found more options than I expected.
A blog post on @patheos.com
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
Our prayer begins with confessing and understanding God’s character.
This is a prayerful confession to practice even in crisis.
A blog post on @patheos.com.
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
This is a prayerful confession to practice even in crisis.
A blog post on @patheos.com.
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
Learning To Confess And Understand Our Father Even In Crisis
Our Father. In the middle of fear, uncertainty, and unanswered questions, learning to trust the character of the God who holds us.
www.patheos.com
September 10, 2026 at 1:41 AM
Our prayer begins with confessing and understanding God’s character.
This is a prayerful confession to practice even in crisis.
A blog post on @patheos.com.
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
This is a prayerful confession to practice even in crisis.
A blog post on @patheos.com.
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
“Praying “Holy be your name” is how we stay centered and recalibrated for this new way of being in the world.”
- Brad Gray & Brad Nelson
- Brad Gray & Brad Nelson
September 8, 2026 at 11:31 AM
“Praying “Holy be your name” is how we stay centered and recalibrated for this new way of being in the world.”
- Brad Gray & Brad Nelson
- Brad Gray & Brad Nelson
Some of you may know that my wife suffered a seizure while working. She fractured her skull and temporal bone, damaged her ear canal, and sustained other significant injuries. After days in the hospital, she’s home. We’re grateful for the care of many friends, and we’re asking for continued prayers.
September 3, 2026 at 11:46 AM
Some of you may know that my wife suffered a seizure while working. She fractured her skull and temporal bone, damaged her ear canal, and sustained other significant injuries. After days in the hospital, she’s home. We’re grateful for the care of many friends, and we’re asking for continued prayers.
Perhaps the deeper question Jesus is asking isn’t simply, “If this is all that I have for you, are you okay with it?” Perhaps he is asking, “Am I enough for you?”
A Lead a Quiet Life Blog post on @patheos.com
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
A Lead a Quiet Life Blog post on @patheos.com
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
If This Is All That I Have For You (Proverbs 14:30)
Proverbs 14:30 calls us toward a tranquil heart. What if learning contentment begins by trusting that God is enough?
www.patheos.com
September 3, 2026 at 10:47 AM
Perhaps the deeper question Jesus is asking isn’t simply, “If this is all that I have for you, are you okay with it?” Perhaps he is asking, “Am I enough for you?”
A Lead a Quiet Life Blog post on @patheos.com
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
A Lead a Quiet Life Blog post on @patheos.com
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
The Pharisees knew scripture but missed the Messiah standing right in front of them. It's a warning for us: knowing the Bible doesn't guarantee we see Jesus. We can be experts in God's ways, yet still resist the God who speaks to us. #faith #scripture
September 2, 2026 at 2:27 AM
The Pharisees knew scripture but missed the Messiah standing right in front of them. It's a warning for us: knowing the Bible doesn't guarantee we see Jesus. We can be experts in God's ways, yet still resist the God who speaks to us. #faith #scripture
This week in the Seven series, we look at John 8:12–20 and what it means to follow Jesus when the world feels dark, confusing, and uncertain.
Watch the full sermon: youtu.be/SV_2wWC1FCk
Watch the full sermon: youtu.be/SV_2wWC1FCk
Seven: I Am the Light of the World (John 8:12-20) | Jeff McLain
YouTube video by River Corner Church
youtu.be
August 31, 2026 at 12:24 AM
This week in the Seven series, we look at John 8:12–20 and what it means to follow Jesus when the world feels dark, confusing, and uncertain.
Watch the full sermon: youtu.be/SV_2wWC1FCk
Watch the full sermon: youtu.be/SV_2wWC1FCk
Prayer is not about finding God in spectacle, performance, or formulaic ways we have been taught to pray. The posture of prayer that Jesus gives us teaches us to recognize the Father in the secret and ordinary places, confidently trusting that even there, when we feel alone, we are seen (Mt 6:6).
August 27, 2026 at 11:40 AM
Prayer is not about finding God in spectacle, performance, or formulaic ways we have been taught to pray. The posture of prayer that Jesus gives us teaches us to recognize the Father in the secret and ordinary places, confidently trusting that even there, when we feel alone, we are seen (Mt 6:6).
The world sells a lot of success, but Jesus challenges us to look for the right prize. It’s about reorienting ourselves toward Him, not chasing worldly gains. Link to full video in bio.
August 26, 2026 at 11:00 AM
The world sells a lot of success, but Jesus challenges us to look for the right prize. It’s about reorienting ourselves toward Him, not chasing worldly gains. Link to full video in bio.
Focusing on our mission through prayer and scripture reminds us what eternal life is. Let's live out this commitment, not pursuing fleeting things.
August 25, 2026 at 4:27 PM
Focusing on our mission through prayer and scripture reminds us what eternal life is. Let's live out this commitment, not pursuing fleeting things.
Two tables are set: one offers worldly success, comfort, and pleasure, promising satisfaction. The other, Jesus, offers himself – the bread of life. The choice shapes our appetites and sustains our lives. He declares, "I am that bread," where the gift and the giver are one. #faith #life
August 24, 2026 at 5:12 AM
A prayer that we are told 'Pray, then, in this way' is not a secret formula for manipulating God into giving us what we want, but I also do not believe it is optional nor just a suggestion for those of us who want to learn and stay rooted in the way of life that Jesus calls us to.
August 21, 2026 at 11:18 AM
A prayer that we are told 'Pray, then, in this way' is not a secret formula for manipulating God into giving us what we want, but I also do not believe it is optional nor just a suggestion for those of us who want to learn and stay rooted in the way of life that Jesus calls us to.
"I am a work in prog-mess"
- Ted Lasso
- Ted Lasso
August 20, 2026 at 2:14 AM
"I am a work in prog-mess"
- Ted Lasso
- Ted Lasso
“Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.”
Psalm 119:105
and a light to my path.”
Psalm 119:105
August 17, 2026 at 12:34 AM
“Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.”
Psalm 119:105
and a light to my path.”
Psalm 119:105
The day didn’t start great.
A few issues with my diabetes and a repair that needs to be taken care of.
But I’m not going to let any of that get in the way.
It’s Daddy-Daughter Date Day. That’s what matters.
A few issues with my diabetes and a repair that needs to be taken care of.
But I’m not going to let any of that get in the way.
It’s Daddy-Daughter Date Day. That’s what matters.
August 15, 2026 at 1:54 PM
The day didn’t start great.
A few issues with my diabetes and a repair that needs to be taken care of.
But I’m not going to let any of that get in the way.
It’s Daddy-Daughter Date Day. That’s what matters.
A few issues with my diabetes and a repair that needs to be taken care of.
But I’m not going to let any of that get in the way.
It’s Daddy-Daughter Date Day. That’s what matters.
A quiet life isn’t failure—it’s resistance.
August 10, 2026 at 2:31 AM
A quiet life isn’t failure—it’s resistance.
We are stewards living in our Father’s world.
Knowing and confessing this should change the way we live.
A new blog post on @patheos.com .
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
Knowing and confessing this should change the way we live.
A new blog post on @patheos.com .
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
The Earth Is The Lord’s: Learning To Live As Stewards
What if everything we have is a gift entrusted to us by God? Psalm 24 invites us to rethink ownership, stewardship, and the way we live.
www.patheos.com
August 9, 2026 at 10:42 PM
We are stewards living in our Father’s world.
Knowing and confessing this should change the way we live.
A new blog post on @patheos.com .
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
Knowing and confessing this should change the way we live.
A new blog post on @patheos.com .
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
I love when people say “yes” to Jesus.
There is something otherworldly about sitting with someone as they confess with their mouth and believe in their heart.
It is a holy moment.
Today, I gratefully saw another life called by grace.
I’m always here if you want to talk.
There is something otherworldly about sitting with someone as they confess with their mouth and believe in their heart.
It is a holy moment.
Today, I gratefully saw another life called by grace.
I’m always here if you want to talk.
August 7, 2026 at 7:36 PM
I love when people say “yes” to Jesus.
There is something otherworldly about sitting with someone as they confess with their mouth and believe in their heart.
It is a holy moment.
Today, I gratefully saw another life called by grace.
I’m always here if you want to talk.
There is something otherworldly about sitting with someone as they confess with their mouth and believe in their heart.
It is a holy moment.
Today, I gratefully saw another life called by grace.
I’m always here if you want to talk.
“People first have to be made ready to do good works by being born anew. Only then, would they be capable of doing good works… doing good works doesn’t make anyone good.”
- Martin Luther, (By Faith Alone)
- Martin Luther, (By Faith Alone)
August 6, 2026 at 12:28 PM
“People first have to be made ready to do good works by being born anew. Only then, would they be capable of doing good works… doing good works doesn’t make anyone good.”
- Martin Luther, (By Faith Alone)
- Martin Luther, (By Faith Alone)
There are passages of Scripture we return to again and again.
Sometimes we read them.
Sometimes, if we're paying attention, they begin reading us.
A Lead a Quiet Life Blog on Patheos Evangelical.
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
Sometimes we read them.
Sometimes, if we're paying attention, they begin reading us.
A Lead a Quiet Life Blog on Patheos Evangelical.
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
When Psalm 23 Began Reading Me
What if Psalm 23 isn't just meant to be read, but to read you? A reflection on discernment, surrender, and the Shepherd's gentle guidance.
www.patheos.com
August 5, 2026 at 3:33 PM
There are passages of Scripture we return to again and again.
Sometimes we read them.
Sometimes, if we're paying attention, they begin reading us.
A Lead a Quiet Life Blog on Patheos Evangelical.
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
Sometimes we read them.
Sometimes, if we're paying attention, they begin reading us.
A Lead a Quiet Life Blog on Patheos Evangelical.
www.patheos.com/blogs/leadaq...
We got to pray just to make it today.
August 5, 2026 at 12:26 AM
We got to pray just to make it today.
“We are old fools. The more educated and intelligent we become, the less we know and understand. We must preach this message again and again so that all of us may be satisfied and filled with its teaching.”
- Martin Luther, Faith Alone (John 8:36)
- Martin Luther, Faith Alone (John 8:36)
August 3, 2026 at 11:57 AM
“We are old fools. The more educated and intelligent we become, the less we know and understand. We must preach this message again and again so that all of us may be satisfied and filled with its teaching.”
- Martin Luther, Faith Alone (John 8:36)
- Martin Luther, Faith Alone (John 8:36)
Sometimes life starts piling up. There will always be another task waiting. But I’m learning that rediscovering a sense of play is just as important. After work we stopped for dinner, grabbed a coffee, and wandered through the park while the kids laughed and played. Take the scenic route.
July 30, 2026 at 12:29 AM
Sometimes life starts piling up. There will always be another task waiting. But I’m learning that rediscovering a sense of play is just as important. After work we stopped for dinner, grabbed a coffee, and wandered through the park while the kids laughed and played. Take the scenic route.