Work Rest Pray

A reflection for Vocations Sunday preached at St John Baptist Church, Marldon in Devon. The Gospel passage is John 10.1–10 and there is also reference to Acts 2.42–47. 

A talk given at St John Baptist Church in Marldon, Devon reflecting on the encounter between Jesus and those on the road to Emmaus. The Bible passage is Luke 24.13-35.

Reality TV is not the same as 'reality living' but parallels can be drawn to help us in our boat as it travels along. A version of this podcast can be found on the Work Rest Pray blog.

A reflection on experiencing things we never expected. A version of this episode can be found at Work Rest Pray.  The Eastwood Story novellas can be found here.

A beatitude for current times. 

A talk given at St John Baptist Church, Marldon in Devon on some familiar teaching by Jesus - words often easier said than done. There are a couple of silent times during the talk and, like the people in church, you may like to have a couple of pieces of paper and something to write with.

Christmas Day has passed - who got what they always wanted?

A reflection on joy for the 3rd Sunday of Advent given at St John Baptist Church, Marldon, Devon. 

A sermon for Safeguarding Sunday at St John Baptist Church, Marldon in Devon alongside Revd Jane Frost, Associate Priest.  The readings are 1 John 3:16-24  and Luke 10:30-37.   

A sermon preached at Stoke Gabriel Parish Church in Devon to mark All Saints and All Soul's Day with Revd Chris Martin, Associate Priest reading the Gospel - Luke 6:20-31.

This week provided an unexpected ‘trip down memory lane’, as the saying goes.  A version of this episode can be found at Work Rest Pray.

A reflection for World Mental Health Day.

On this Disability Awareness Sunday, some reflections on being made in God's image.

This episode is an audio recording of the Book Launch for 'Loving Yourself' by Richard Frost at Exeter Cathedral. With special guest Canon Deborah Parsons and music from 'Socks and Slippers'. Together with part of the discussion that took place at the online event and comments from Julia Craig-McFeely, Editor at SLG Press.   A video version is also available on YouTube. The book itself can be found at my website.

This episode is a guided meditation on the Parable of the Lost Coin. It contains periods of silence and I would encourage you to press pause at those points. It's a companion episode to the one reflecting on the Parable of the Lost Sheep.

September is a month when many people start new things - be that college, school, uni or a job, for example. It's a time when we might feel a bit lost. This episode is a reflection on the Parable of the Lost Sheep.  There's also companion episode with a guided meditation on the Parable of the Lost Coin.

A game of cricket provides an unexpected encounter with the stigma of mental illness. A version of this episode can be read on my blog.

Summer holidays bring contrasts of the comfortable and uncomfortable. A version of this post can be found on the Work Rest Pray blog.

Faith is about not always knowing the answers. Sometimes we don't know why things happen, we don't know what's going on and we don't know where it's leading to. A talk on Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 given at St John Baptist Church, Marldon, near Paignton in Devon on 10 Aug 2025

A talk reflecting on Jesus' encounter with Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-end) given at St Andrew's Church, Harberton, Near Totnes on 20 July 2025.

A talk given at St John Baptist Church, Marldon in Devon, UK based around Luke 10:25-37. The full image of the stained class windows can be found here. Details of the book referred to can be found here.

Looking back on a time when the world realised it had walked by on the other side. A version of this episode can be found on my blog at Work Rest Pray.   Image: Chronicle Live

Some thoughts on being an author and introducing a new book. A version of this episode can also be found on my blog - as can details of the events and other books referred to. Illustration by Rachel Alice Leggett. Used with permission.

A reflection on how walking a labyrinth can be a reminder of how we are held and comforted by the loving presence of God. A version of this episode can also be found on the Work Rest Pray blog.

This post contains a recording of a talk I was invited to give at St Stephen’s Church, Saltash in Cornwall on 9 June 2025. I was asked to talk about myself, my experience of life and faith and as a lay minister and author. The recording is divided in to chapters. Each one contains a 10-15 minute talk followed by discussion with those present. Timings for the chapters can be found on my blog.

Our experience of life and other people (and the church, it has to be said) can have a significant impact on how we feel about God and what we think God feels about us. A version of this post is available on the Work Rest Pray blog.

Paying attention to the noise around us can help us to pay attention to the noise within us. A version of this episode is also available on the Work Rest Pray blog. Recordings by Richard Frost except for 'Rain' by Eryliaa from Pixabay

A reflection for the 80th Anniversary of VE Day. This episode refers to the accompanying image 'Crucifixion' by Gladys Hynes. There is also a version available on the Work Rest Pray blog.  

Reflecting on the life and death of Pope Francis leads to thoughts on what makes a good leader. A version of this episode can be found on the Work Rest Pray blog.

A reflection for Easter Day. This episode contains a period of silence before closing music by Sharon Gerber. Used by kind permission. A video version is also available - click here.

A reflection for Good Friday based around the Stations of the Cross. There are times of silence in this episode. Includes extracts by Sister Christine Kresho from Stations of the Cross for Today’s Disciples in which she reflects on words Jesus may have spoken. Closing music by Laura & Sean Beeson at spiritjuicestudios.com. Used by kind permission. A video version featuring paintings by Devon artist, Richard Hammond is also available - click here.  

A reflection for Maundy Thursday.  This podcast episode contains periods of silence and in one place refers to the covering image. Closing music: 'Gethsemane' by Jeff Johnson from the CD 'A Thin Silence'. (c) 2006 Ark Records Inc./Sola Scriptura Songs. arkmusic.com. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

A two-minute reflection for Palm Sunday.

Some thoughts and reflections on what the theatre can teach the church about worship. Inspired in part by Keeping the Ink Wet by UK-born Vancouver-based priest, playwright and director, Kevin G Yell. You can read a version of this episode on the Work Rest Pray blog

Hopes and Expectations is the third story in the Eastwood Story series of novellas and published on 20 March 2025. This episode contains 'edited highlights' from three Book Launch events - two in person and one online. It includes extracts from the book and contributions from poet and novelist, Richard Skinner and musicians, Axford & Robinson. Following on from Looking to Move On and Living the Difference, Hopes and Expectations continues the heartfelt tales of Eastwood Minster, a community where love and loss, joy and laughter, and hope overcoming adversity bind lives together. This third Eastwood Story brings relatable characters and touching moments that celebrate the beauty and messiness of life. A video version is also available and more details at richardfrostauthor.com or click here to buy.

'We were not necessarily making it easy to like.’ (Neil Tennant). A reflection on writing, liking and living. My new book, Hopes and Expectations is now available - on special offer too! Visit richardfrostauthor.com for more details. A version of this episode is also available on my blog at workrestpray.com

A post for the UK Covid-19 Day of Reflection and how our thoughts can influence the Living Hope of Lent, Holy Week and Easter. A version of this post can be found on the Work Rest Pray blog. If you are in Devon, you’d be welcome to join Jane and I at a Lent Quiet Morning on the theme, Living Hope on 25 March. Please also join me for Book Launch Events (in person & online) for Hopes and Expectations later this month.

Recorded at Mucknell Abbey (complete with bells), this episode explores the journey of faith and the maps which take us along it. A version of this episode can be read at workrestpray.com/2468/ Details of Richard's next book Hopes and Expectations can be found at richardfrostauthor.com/hopes-expectations/

I recently had the honour of preaching at Choral Evensong at Magdalene College Chapel in the University of Cambridge. It was part of the Chapel's focus on St Benedict and the continuing relevance of his Rule for today. This episode contains the sermon from that occasion. Details of the books I refer to can be found at richardfrostauthor.com

Bishop Mariann Budde spoke inconvenient truths in to American society and further afield. This episode is a reflection on her words and a wider message for many of us. A link to her full sermon and a version of this episode can be found at the Work Rest Pray blog. Image: Episcopal Diocese of Washington

Comedy and Bible reading... a three minute reflection on making words live. A version of this episode (with links to the videos mentioned) can be found at https://workrestpray.com/the-spoken-word/   

At this Epiphany time of January we think of the ‘wise men' following a star. This episode is a 4 minute reflection on how having doubts helps nurture wisdom and faith. A version can also be seen on the Work Rest Pray blog.

A 4 minute reflection on love for the fourth week of Advent.

It's a significant birthday - but not one with an '0' in it... A version of this episode and links to Advent reflections, other posts and books can be found on the Work Rest Pray blog.    

A 5 minute reflection on joy for the third week of Advent (or a story of unrequited love if you prefer).

A six minute reflection on peace for the second week of Advent.

A 3 minute reflection on hope for this first week of Advent.

Listening to other people is not always straightforward - listening to God even more so at times.  A version of this episode and links to Advent reflections, other posts and books can be found on the Work Rest Pray blog. Length 3 mins 30 secs   Image by Couleur from Pixabay.

A reflection on current events affecting the Anglican Church and the place of forgiveness. A version of this episode together with links to other posts and books can be found at the Work Rest Pray blog. Length 3 minutes 20 secs

A 5 minute reflection in this time of remembrance and the importance of names.  A version of this episode together with links to other posts and books can be found at the Work Rest Pray blog.