Helping each listener to draw near to Christ, his infinite love, and to one another.

“Jesus himself drew near.” (Lk 24:15)

God takes the initiative to draw near to us out of a deep and personal love for each one of us. This movement asks each of us for a response. There are so many beautiful ways we can respond to the work of God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. This is a journey we share together, drawing near to Christ as we draw near to one another. This shared journey toward Christ, rooted in the Catholic faith, is the focus of our podcast. Our goal is to be authentic, honest, humble, faithful, loving, passionate, real and vulnerable in each episode. We also like to keep it lighthearted. We are two best friends, sharing life together with our families. We invite you to join us as we Draw Near. Let's grow towards sainthood together!

Listen below to the most RECENT EPISODE:

Silence, Prayer Draw Near Silence, Prayer Draw Near

The Still Small Voice

Why are so many uncomfortable with silence? We live in a world where there is always noise. There's always something to consume. We are never without entertainment. However, God is found in the silence; the still small voice. Why is this both scary and amazing? How can we set aside silence in our lives?

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Fred Shellabarger Fred Shellabarger

Four Steps to Hearing God’s Voice

This episode serves as a companion and follow up to our "Does God Speak to Me?" episode. Here we are joined by Julie Storr, from Lectio the Liturgy. Julie presented at our recent Draw Near Retreat in which the theme was, "Hearing God's Voice." Julie offers some great practical steps for not only hearing the Lord's voice, but also building a lifestyle in which a relationship with God characterized by talking with your loving Father is not just a wish, but an actual lived experience, rooted in prayer, in Scripture, and in the life of the Holy Spirit.

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Draw Near Draw Near

Crippled Beggars

In this episode we continue our Lenten lectio divina Scripture reflections by taking a look at the account of the Lame Beggar at the Beautiful Gate. Here we see Peter and John look at him intently, though they could not offer him the money he was asking for, it did not prevent their fixed and loving attention on him. What they offer the man was something even greater than he asked for. Prayer. Jesus Christ. Healing! The man asked with expectancy; that his needs would be met. But the Lord provided even greater things. Peter and John offered prayer, and expected that that prayer would bear fruit. What are the many things we can learn from this passage? In what ways can we relate to this beggar? In what ways are we called to follow the example of Peter and John? What does all of this have to do with hope? Listen to find out!

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Guest Speakers, Spiritual Life Draw Near Guest Speakers, Spiritual Life Draw Near

Spiritual Direction

We often need help in making decisions for ourselves in the light of faith and going deeper in our spiritual lives; in hearing the voice of the Lord and being accountable for what is or is not happening in prayer. So, who needs a spiritual director? When do we need one most? What can we do if we do not have one?

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Life Lessons, Saints Draw Near Life Lessons, Saints Draw Near

Living the Heart of the Gospel

In this episode, we again take up the theme of “life lessons” from the Saints. We share our encounters with St. Therese of Lisieux, the “Little Flower,” and share some deeply personal experiences of how her words, and no doubt her intercession, helped us draw near to the Lord during very difficult times. We consider St. Therese a very dear friend and we hope that this episode will help you to also discover just how relatable she is; and how her “Little Way” can help you also find joy and fulfillment even in the smallest and seemingly insignificant moments.

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Failure Draw Near Failure Draw Near

Coping with Feelings of Failure

Thoughts of our own failures and shortcomings, whether real or only perceived, can often surround us like a heavy storm. BUT even if he is asleep in the boat, he is always present in moments of failure… ready to calm the storm! And the best part is, he wants to use our shortcomings to bring about something beautiful!

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Catechism, Reflection Draw Near Catechism, Reflection Draw Near

Praying the Catechism and God’s Incredible Love for You

In this Shorty, Fred shows us how to not only pray with Scripture, but also how to pray with the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which is itself filled with Scripture. This book, a summation of the Catholic faith, is not merely a reference book. The Church teaches Truth, and we are invited to not simply learn this truth, but pray with it! Fred presents a method for praying the Catechism, and reflects on the profound truth and beauty that is revealed in the process.

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Matthew Leonard, Prayer Draw Near Matthew Leonard, Prayer Draw Near

Life of Prayer

In a follow-up episode to Prayer: Intimate Friendship with God, we continue the conversation on prayer with friend and speaker Matthew Leonard. No matter where we are in our relationship with God, He is always calling us to grow in the spiritual life..

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