I once heard Warren Wiersbe, popular evangelical writer and speaker, say that if you want to get a true picture of the spiritual life of a prospective pastor, put him on the basketball court not behind the pulpit. I agree. The true nature of a person is best shown by their interactions with others when self-control is tested. [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] … Read More
Now here’s a word we don’t hear too often – enlightened. I wonder why? Sounds too Buddhist or New Agey? Is it due to its association with the European intellectual movement (17th – 18th c.) emphasizing reason and individualism rather than tradition? (Oxford American Dictionary) I’m using it in its most basic understanding: greater knowledge and understanding of a subject … Read More
Last week we had a couple stay with us. They were interested in deepening their relationship with God. Each of them came with a hunger to know God more intimately on their journey. We discussed a few ways this could happen. But one way that caught their attention was liturgical prayer. “How can we establish a rhythm of prayer which … Read More
I have a friend whose wife is frustrated with him because he is primarily praying for God’s mercy in their various family situations. She wants him to ask for specific outcomes in his prayers. Something like, “Lord, help Jimmy get a good grade on his test today.” “Jesus, help us sell our house by next Friday.” “Dear God, Sarah wants … Read More
People are often surprised when I invite them to only pray for God’s mercy in most situations. They want to get into the details about how their prayer should be answered. They believe it is a more truer faith if they spell out to God what He should do for them. However, if they really knew God and His mercy … Read More
For many years, I struggled in my attempts to remember God throughout the day. I was too busy, too distracted, too ignorant, and too inexperienced to know what it was like to commune with God all day long. I would start out well enough in morning devotions and prayer. But, a sense of God’s presence did not remain with me … Read More
The purpose of prayer is to know God. It is not primarily to get things from God or to talk to God. Prayer is communion with God in such a way that two hearts unite as one. This is how you get to know God. The Desert Father, St. Evagrius of Ponticus (c. 345-399) wrote: “If you are a theologian, … Read More
Do you struggle with prayer? I think I can help. I’ve devoted my life to prayer. God has given me the gift of time to pray. I take advantage of my inner “morning person” to pray. Lots of people have helped me to pray. It’s my life’s aim to learn how to commune with God in prayer in everyday life. … Read More
Are you balanced in your commitment to prayer and your commitment to scripture? There’s a very good possibility that you devote more of your time to relating with God through the Bible than to relating with God through prayer. [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] I read the sixth chapter of Acts a few days ago. Verse 4 jumped off the page: “But we … Read More
I have had a change of heart. I thought I’d share with you my morning ritual of solitude and prayer. But, having written a draft, I’ve chosen not to post it right now. I think it might help you. However, it’s too early in my blogging journey to present this. I think I’ll always struggle with talking about things I … Read More
