I realized that a different three-word phrase has begun to dominate my own speech, “I’ll be praying!” As a result, I’ve begun to consider options for thoughtfully and authentically responding to prayer requests that arrive through technology.
All in Prayer
Prayers that Move Heaven
I also have a great desire for understanding God’s revelation to me and you—the Bible. I pray daily for wisdom and understanding. Yet, Daniel’s example has caused me to reflect, “Am I praying for understanding with consistent fervency?”
God's Graciousness
God instructed Moses to tell Aaron and his sons to bless the Israelites through one of the most beautiful benedictions in Scripture. The phrase invoking Yahweh to be gracious to them captures my heart. I’ve asked for help, protection, encouragement, mercy, wisdom, and strength, but I don’t think I’ve ever asked God for His graciousness in my life.
What's in a Name?
I wonder in amazement at all that’s covered within the few words found in the benediction in Numbers 6:22-27. Thirty-one words cover the totality of all Christians desire in life: May Yahweh bless you and protect you; may Yahweh make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; may Yahweh look with favor on you and give you peace.
Jesus is with You—Keep Praying
So often, I feel like my prayers go as far as the ceiling. In the last few weeks, I have lifted friends up for healing, help, and guidance; the results were not always what we had hoped. I have found myself standing at gravesites, celebrating a life well lived, but also seeing the pain in my friends faces as they said goodbye to their loved one. I asked the Lord for comfort and peace.
Breathing Worship
One reason I love our church is singing our praises together each Sunday. Whether we are on key or not, we have the privilege to vocalize our love for Jesus. Some enjoy quiet hymns others fast-moving praise songs. If we are truly showing the Lord how much we love Him, it’s worship!
Quiet Movement
What moves you?
I mean … moves you to action … compels you to do something.
Anger? Injustice? Anger can motivate.
Building
What do you build on?
For many years … I found hope and joy from my next vacation or the next new, fun thing for my house or fancy meals eating out.
I built my hope on the things money can buy.
In the Day of My Trouble
Like an inflated ball is not designed to stay underwater, we are not designed to suppress our feelings. Doing so results in harmful health consequences.
Praying God’s Words
God’s Word to us is to be read, studied, applied, obeyed, and prayed.
The Gift of Memory
The scent of Pine stirred childhood memories of visiting my father’s “office,” a portable building beside the railroad tracks. Mondays through Fridays he loaded freshly cut Pine timber for shipping to a paper mill miles away. The scents and sounds of that busy spot returned as I watched a storm-damaged Pine tree transform into piles of sawdust and debris.
The Power of Blessing
Through the years, I’ve had the opportunity to correspond with Christian friends from various countries. I’ve particularly noticed that they always include a blessing at the beginning and the end of their correspondence, whether written or emailed. My typical American reply seems shallow in comparison to the richness of theirs, yet attempting to add a benediction always seems somewhat contrived.
When God Looks with Favor
I’m enjoying this season of life as a grandmother. I, and others like me, especially ‘look with favor’ into the smiles and twinkly eyes of the little ones we love so much. Their youthfulness seems particularly vulnerable to all the potential snares and dangers that lie ahead of them. I’m paying attention in a different way than I did as a young parent. I look with an expanded heart that’s grown wiser and, hopefully, more compassionate through the years.
Ever Get The Blahs?
Normally optimistic, returning home, I fell into the blahs. I couldn’t even really put my finger on why I was blah. I bet you’ve had those seasons, perhaps during winter and longing for spring as I was!
Is My Prayer God’s Will?
Have you had that deep night of the soul experience when no words would come as you tried to present Jesus your need? I have. Those are times I’ve experienced that peace that makes no sense (Philippians 4:6-7). I can’t explain it, only experience the truth.
Prayers like Incense
Flower children, hippies, and the unmistakable aroma of incense filled the streets and shops along “The Drag,” the street beside the university where I studied during the early 70’s.
Asking for Wisdom
Downsizing required leasing rental units for what I expected might be several weeks. However, weeks turned to months, and months turned to a year. At the end of that year, I gasped in disbelief when checking one of the units. Mold, dust, and spider webs covered the furniture that roaches now called home.
We Know That God Hears Us
Have you ever asked God for something you didn’t know at the time the magnitude or consequences of His answers would be?
Aging With Grace: Never Too Old
God, the Father, is sometimes called “the Ancient of Days”—a title of respect, honor, and wisdom. I don’t know about you, but I’d prefer not to be referred to by age!
The Path Revealed
We were hiking through a mountain forest in Colorado and we came to a flowing stream. At first, we did not see a way across without getting our shoes completely wet. We thought we would have to turn back. I quickly prayed… asking Jesus for help. We looked at the rocks again, and now could see a path of rocks that stood above the water. The rock path seemed to suddenly appear and we used those rocks to cross to the other side.