Low in the Water
Low in the Water is a podcast from The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination. The show centers on the practice of benediction—speaking words of blessing and grace into daily life. It reflects Eugene Peterson's pastoral vision of imaginative and faithful Christian living. Episodes offer thoughtful reflections for those seeking a slower, more attentive spirituality.
Episodes
Mentors: Wendell Berry | with Winn Collier, Mandy Smith, and Nathan Hoff
Matthew 20.1-16 with Winn Collier
Matthew 18.21-35 with Eric Peterson
Season 3 of Low in the Water | Matthew 18.15-20 with Mandy Smith
"Doxology" August Conversation with Mandy, Nathan, and Winn
Listen in on a bonus summer conversation with Mandy, Nathan, and Winn on "Doxology"
Pentecost | Acts 2 with Eric Peterson
Ascension Sunday | Luke 24.24-53 with Dave Wollan
May Conversation | Deliver Us from Evil with Nathan, Mandy, and Winn
Eastertide VI | John 14.15-21 with Mandy Smith
Eastertide V | John 14.1-14 with Winn Collier
Eastertide IV | John 10.1-10 with Brian Keepers
Join Brian and Nathan as they share conversation on John 10 for the fourth Sunday in EastertideLow in the Water, as with everything we do at The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination, continues only because of God's provision through your generosity. Would you consider becoming a partner with us? You may give here.
Eastertide III | Luke 24.13-35 with Andrea Taphron
Join Andrea and Nathan as they discuss the Scripture for the third Sunday in Eastertide. Low in the Water, as with everything we do at The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination, continues only because of God's provision through your generosity. Would you consider becoming a partner with us? You may give here.
Lead Us Not Into Temptation | April Conversation with Mandy, Winn, and Nathan
Join us as we continue our walk through the Lord's Prayer as we narrow in on Jesus' words of "Lead us not into temptation."Low in the Water, as with everything we do at The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination, continues only because of God's provision through your generosity. Would you consider becoming a partner with us? You may give here.
Eastertide II | John 20.19-31 with Eric Peterson
Eric and Nathan discuss the Gospel of John for the 2nd Sunday in EastertideLow in the Water, as with everything we do at The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination, continues only because of God's provision through your generosity. Would you consider becoming a partner with us? You may give here.
Resurrection Sunday | Matthew 28.1-10 with David Wollan
Join David and Nathan as they engage with the Resurrection narrative from the gospel of Matthew.Low in the Water, as with everything we do at The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination, continues only because of God's provision through your generosity. Would you consider becoming a partner with us? You may give here.
Passion Sunday | Matthew 27.11-54 with Mandy Smith
Join Nathan and Mandy as they discuss the Gospel narrative for Passion Sunday 2026Low in the Water, as with everything we do at The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination, continues only because of God's provision through your generosity. Would you consider becoming a partner with us? You may give here.
Lent V | John 11.1-45 with Winn Collier
Join Nathan and Winn as they discuss John 11 for the fifth Sunday in Lent 2026Low in the Water, as with everything we do at The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination, continues only because of God's provision through your generosity. Would you consider becoming a partner with us? You may give here.
Lent IV | John 9 with Brian Keepers
Join Nathan and Brian as they share conversation around John chapter 9 for the fourth sunday in Lent 2026Low in the Water, as with everything we do at The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination, continues only because of God's provision through your generosity. Would you consider becoming a partner with us? You may give here.
Forgive us our sins | March Conversation with Mandy, Winn, and Nathan
Listen in on our conversation for the month of March on the Lord's Prayer. Low in the Water, as with everything we do at The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination, continues only because of God's provision through your generosity. Would you consider becoming a partner with us? You may give here.
Lent III | John 4 with Andrea Taphorn
Andrea and Nathan have conversation around John 4 for the third Sunday in Lent 2026. Low in the Water, as with everything we do at The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination, continues only because of God's provision through your generosity. Would you consider becoming a partner with us? You may give here.
Lent II | John 3.1-17 with Eric Peterson
Eric and Nathan discuss John chapter 3 for the second Sunday in Lent 2026Low in the Water, as with everything we do at The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination, continues only because of God's provision through your generosity. Would you consider becoming a partner with us? You may give here.
Lent I | Matthew 4.1-11 with Mandy Smith
Nathan and Mandy have conversation from the gospel of Matthew for the first Sunday in Lent 2026Low in the Water, as with everything we do at The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination, continues only because of God's provision through your generosity. Would you consider becoming a partner with us? You may give here.
Transfiguration | Matthew 17.1-9 with Dave Wollan
Join Dave and Nathan as they discuss the Transfiguration narrative for Feb 15, 2026Low in the Water, as with everything we do at The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination, continues only because of God's provision through your generosity. Would you consider becoming a partner with us? You may give here.
Our Daily Bread | February Conversation with Mandy, Winn, and Nathan
Join Mandy, Winn, and Nathan as they continue their monthly conversation through the Lord's PrayerLow in the Water, as with everything we do at The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination, continues only because of God's provision through your generosity. Would you consider becoming a partner with us? You may give here.
Matthew 5.13-20 with Winn Collier
Nathan and Winn have a conversation on a portion of Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount for Feb. 8, 2026 Low in the Water, as with everything we do at The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination, continues only because of God's provision through your generosity. Would you consider becoming a partner with us? You may give here.
Matthew 5.1-12 with Brian Keepers
Brian and Nathan sit down to discuss Matthew 5. 1-12 for Sunday Feb 1. Low in the Water, as with everything we do at The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination, continues only because of God's provision through your generosity. Would you consider becoming a partner with us? You may give here.
Matthew 4.12-23 with Andrea Taphorn
Andrea and Nathan discuss Matthew 4.12-23 for Sunday January 25, 2026
John 1.29-42 with Eric Peterson
Join Nathan and Eric as they discuss John 1.29-42 for Sunday January 18.
Matthew 3.13-17 with Mandy Smith
Mandy and Nathan discuss the Baptism of Jesus from Matthew 3 for Sunday January 11, 2026
Thy Will Be Done | January Conversation with Mandy, Winn, and Nathan
We continue our walk through the Lord's Prayer this new year with a conversation on "Thy Will Be Done"
John 1.1-18 with David Wollan
Join Nathan and David for a conversation in anticipation of the second Sunday in ChristmastideWe want to give you a gift as a thank you for listening. Send your name and mailing address to podcast@petersoncenter.org to receive your card and sticker.In order to shore up our financial support for the podcast, we hope to raise $30,000 by December 31st. If you want to help us through a one-time gift o
Matthew 2.13-23 with Winn Collier
Winn and Nathan reflect on the Scripture for the First Sunday in ChristmastideWe want to give you a gift as a thank you for listening. Send your name and mailing address to podcast@petersoncenter.org to receive your card and sticker.In order to shore up our financial support for the podcast, we hope to raise $30,000 by December 31st. If you want to help us through a one-time gift or becoming a mon
Matthew 1.18-25 with Brian Keepers
Brian and Nathan discuss the Gospel text from Matthew for the 4th Sunday in AdventWe want to give you a gift as a thank you for listening. Send your name and mailing address to podcast@petersoncenter.org to receive your card and sticker.In order to shore up our financial support for the podcast, we hope to raise $30,000 by December 31st. If you want to help us through a one-time gift or becoming a
Matthew 11.2-11 with Andrea Taphorn
Join Andrea and Nathan as they reflect on the Scripture for the third Sunday in AdventWe want to give you a gift as a thank you for listening. Send your name and mailing address to podcast@petersoncenter.org to receive your card and sticker.In order to shore up our financial support for the podcast, we hope to raise $30,000 by December 31st. If you want to help us through a one-time gift or becomi
Your Kingdom Come | December Conversation
Winn and Mandy and Nathan reflect on the Lord's Prayer: Your Kingdom Come. We want to give you a gift as a thank you for listening. Send your name and mailing address to podcast@petersoncenter.org to receive your card and sticker.In order to shore up our financial support for the podcast, we hope to raise $30,000 by December 31st. If you want to help us through a one-time gift or becoming a m
Advent 2 with Eric Peterson
Join Eric and Nathan as they discuss Matthew 3.1-12 for the second Sunday in AdventWe want to give you a gift as a thank you for listening. Send your name and mailing address to podcast@petersoncenter.org to receive your card and sticker.In order to shore up our financial support for the podcast, we hope to raise $30,000 by December 31st. If you want to help us through a one-time gift or becoming
Advent 1 with Mandy Smith
Join Mandy and Nathan as they reflect on Matthew 24.36-44We want to give you a gift as a thank you for listening. Send your name and mailing address to podcast@petersoncenter.org to receive your card and sticker.In order to shore up our financial support for the podcast, we hope to raise $30,000 by December 31st. If you want to help us through a one-time gift or becoming a monthly supporter, go to
Christ the King | Luke 23.33-43 | with Dave Wollan
Dave and Nathan discuss Luke 23 for Christ the King Sunday. We want to give you a gift as a thank you for listening. Send your name and mailing address to podcast@petersoncenter.org to receive your card and sticker.In order to shore up our financial support for the podcast, we hope to raise $30,000 by December 31st. If you want to help us through a one-time gift or becoming a monthly supporter, go
Luke 21.5-19 with Winn Collier
Join Nathan and Winn as they reflect on the gospel lectionary for November 16, 2025
Hallowed Be Your Name | November Conversation with Mandy, Winn, and Nathan
Join us for our November conversation on the Lord's Prayer and the petition, "Hallowed be your name"
Luke 20.27-38 with Brian Keepers
Join Nathan and Brian in conversation on the gospel text for November 9, 2025
Luke 6.20-31 with Andrea Taphorn
Join Andrea and Nathan in their discussion of the gospel reading for November 2 and the Feast of All Saints.
Luke 18.9-14 with Eric Peterson
Join Eric and Nathan as they discuss the gospel reading for October 26th, 2025 from Luke 18
Luke 18.1-8 with Mandy Smith
Join Mandy and Nathan as they discuss the gospel text for October 19, 2025, Luke 18.1-8
Luke 17.11-19 with Dave Wollan
Join Nathan and Dave as they reflect on the gospel passage for October 12, 2025Luke 17.11-19
"Our Father" with Mandy, Winn, and Nathan
Mandy and Winn and Nathan reflect on "Our Father" as we spend time walking through The Lord's Prayer this year.
Luke 17.5-10 with Winn Collier
Join Nathan and Winn as they reflect on Luke 17 for Sunday October 5, 2025
Luke 16.19-31 with Brian Keepers
Join Nathan and Brian as they discuss Luke 16.19-31.
Luke 16.1-13 with Andrea Taphorn
Join Andrea and Nathan in the discussion of Luke 16 for Sunday September 21, 2025
Luke 15.1-10 with Eric Peterson
Join Eric and Nathan for a conversation on the parable of the lost sheep.
Luke 14.25-33 with Mandy Smith
Nathan and Mandy reflect on Luke 14.25-33
Rose, Thorn, Bud | September Conversation with Winn, Mandy, and Nathan
Join Winn, Nathan, and Mandy as they each share a Rose, Thorn, and Bud from their life and faith in this season. Thank you for listening to Low in the Water. As we begin season two, please stay tuned for weekly conversations on the lectionary text on Mondays and our monthly roundtable with Winn, Nathan, and Mandy that will be walking through the Lord's Prayer. more information at petersoncent
Low in the Water | A New Season and Thinking About What We're Up to Here
Nathan and Winn spend a few minutes in conversation looking ahead to season 2 of Low in the Water. Weekly episodes resume on Monday September 1A big thanks to Blake Johnson for his beautiful artwork that will accompany us through this season. Send a link to a friend or loved one if you think they would be nourished by these conversations. Visit petersoncenter.org to learn more
Pilgrimage with Mandy, Winn, and Nathan
Join Mandy, Winn, and Nathan for a deep conversation on Pilgrimage and our journey with God. Thank you for listening to our summer long form conversations. We will be back with season 2 and our weekly rhythm of conversation in a few short weeks!
Guerrilla Gardening | Pastoral Instinct in Crisis | with Mandy, Winn, and Nathan
Join Mandy, Winn, and Nathan as they have their Low in the Water conversation for July.Notes and links from the episode:Mandy’s Article: https://www.missioalliance.org/the-power-of-jesus-the-vocation-of-the-church/Winn’s Article: https://winncollier.substack.com/p/our-politics-are-too-smallBenediction from Wendell Berry: https://cales.arizona.edu/~steidl/Liberation.htmlAll Things New Fest: https:/
Reading Fiction with Winn, Mandy and Nathan
Join Winn, Mandy, and Nathan for their conversation on summer/winter reads and the role of fiction in the spiritual life.
Benedictionary: Ruach | with Winn Collier
Winn and Nathan discuss John 14 for Pentecost on our final episode of season 1 of Low in the Water
Benedictionary: Ascension | with Andrea Taphorn
Andrea and Nathan reflect on Luke 24.44-43
Benedictionary: Shan't | with Dave Wollan
Dave and Nathan discuss John 14.23-29 as we continue in the season of Eastertide
Benedictionary: Mandatum | with Mandy Smith
Benedictionary: Capacious | with Brian Keepers
Join Brian and Nathan as they reflect on John 10.22-30 for the 4th Sunday in Eastertide
Vows | with Mandy Smith, Winn Collier, and Nathan Hoff
Our monthly conversation with Mandy, Winn, and Nathan....This time around vows and the Christian life.
Benedictionary: Epilogue | with Eric Peterson
Listen as Nathan and Eric reflect on John 21.1-19 for the third sunday in Eastertide
Benedictionary: Belief | with Andrea Taphorn
Andrea Taphorn and Nathan Hoff reflect on John 20.19-31 for the second Sunday in EastertideFeaturing the song "Alleluia" by Andy Bast (2014)
Benedictionary: Resurrection | with Winn Collier
Winn Collier and Nathan Hoff reflect on Luke 24 for Resurrection Sunday. Featuring "Alleluia" written by Andy Bast, as performed on the album "Songs of Liturgy" by Pillar Church
Benedictionary: Palm Sunday | with Dave Wollan
Dave Wollan joins Nathan Hoff to reflect on the triumphal entry narrative for Palm Sunday 2025
Joy Comes in the Morning | with Mandy Smith, Nathan Hoff, and Winn Collier
Benedictionary: Scent | with Mandy Smith
Mandy Smith joins to discuss John 12.1-8
Benedictionary: Prodigal | with Brian Keepers
Brian Keepers and Nathan Hoff reflect on Luke 15.1-3; 11-32.Music: "I Was A Wandering Sheep" hymn text by Horatius Bonar, music: Traditional.
Benedictionary: Arboriculture | with Eric Peterson
Eric Peterson joins Nathan Hoff to reflect on Luke 13.1-9 for March 24
Benedictionary: Benedictus | with Jonathan Gabhart
Jonathan Gabhart joins Nathan Hoff to discuss Luke 13.31.35 for Sunday March 16.
Lead Us Not Into Temptation | with Winn Collier, Mandy Smith and Nathan Hoff
Benedictionary: Temptation | with Winn Collier
Winn Collier and Nathan Hoff discuss Luke 4.1-13 for March 9
Benedictionary: Surprise | with Dave Wollan
Dave Wollan and Nathan Hoff discuss Luke 9.28-36 for March 2
Benedictionary: Love | with Eric Peterson
Eric Peterson joins to discuss Luke 6.27-38 for February 23, 2025
Benedictionary: Blessing & Woe | with Mandy Smith
Mandy Smith joins to reflect on Luke 6.17-26 for February 16. Song: "Randall St" by Tim Boyce
Poetry Share | with Mandy Smith, Winn Collier, and Nathan Hoff
References to Explore!Books Mentioned:Eugene H. Peterson’s Holy Luck Kilian McDonnell’s “Nursing Home Chapel” in his book Swift, Lord, You Are Not David Tensen’s “Ancient Paths” in his book The Wrestle Makoto Fujimura’s Culture Care Poems Mentioned:Abigail CarrollNarrative Theology by Padraig O’Tuama’s “Narrative Theology"Jack Gilbert's "A Brief for the Defense,"Wendell Berry&a
Benedictionary: Presence | with Brian Keepers
Brian Keepers joins to reflect on Luke 5.1-11 for February 9.
Benedictionary: Vicissitudes | with Andrea Taphorn
Andrea Taphorn joins Nathan Hoff to reflect on Luke 4.21-30 for Sunday, Feb 2
Benedictionary: Good News | with Winn Collier
Winn Collier joins to reflect on Luke 4.14-21 for Sunday January 26.(featuring the tune "I Set Out" by Tim Boyce)
