Hi, I’m Ryan.

I pastor a church in Southern California. I preach, teach, and write. I sit with others in their sorrows and their joys. And I walk with people through some of life’s most difficult experiences.

An 1892 painting by George Inness titled 'The Lonely Farm, Nantucket'

On Anxiety

A feeble attempt to describe the indescribable Feb 07, 2025 • Ryan Wentzel

View all

Painting by Levi Wells Prentice of a lake viewed from a mountainside

Christ is Risen!

April 18, 2025

Happy Easter! Christ is risen. He is risen indeed! I have more prayers, poems, and art for you this week. Check it out below.

Read

Painting by Benjamin Williams Leader titled 'Haymakers' (1880)

The Fountain of Everlasting Light

April 11, 2025

A medieval prayer, the poetic imagination, a delightful novel about a remote Irish village, and more.

Read

A painting by Clare Marsh titled 'A Great House Lit at Night'

I Stink at Praying

February 07, 2025

How writing my prayers helps me stink a little less at praying.

Read

Prayers

View all

Draw Me to Yourself

Anselm of Canterbury’s prayer of longing for more of Christ.

Read

Wearied by the Changes and Chances of This Fleeting Life

A prayer for weary souls from The Scottish Book of Common Prayer (1929).

Read

We Give You Humble and Hearty Thanks

An extended prayer of gratitude from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.

Read

Ineffable Sea of Love

A third-century prayer from the Syrian church.

Read

My Favorite Commentaries on 1 & 2 Samuel

Are you interested in studying 1 & 2 Samuel? Looking for resources to consult for a sermon series. Here are the books and commentaries I’ve found helpful in my preaching and teaching.

Read