Therefore, I urge you…in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to God— this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2 Prayer is an act of entrusting … [Read more...] about Entrusting All to God as Prayer
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Entrusting All to God as Prayer
Therefore, I urge you…in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to God— this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2 Prayer is an act of entrusting … [Read more...] about Entrusting All to God as Prayer
Becoming Like Little Children as Prayer
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:14 This story … [Read more...] about Becoming Like Little Children as Prayer
Honesty as Prayer
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Psalm 51: 1,6 Prayer is not a performance. It is not an attempt to impress God. Prayer is honest communication. Transparency is the cornerstone of intimacy in any … [Read more...] about Honesty as Prayer
Pouring Out Our Hearts as Prayer
Trust in him at all times, O people, pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8 When we listen with an open heart to the outpouring of another person’s heart, something happens. A bond forms. A closeness grows. And out of this relationship healing begins to take place. But sharing one’s heart requires trust in the other person. It requires trust that the other … [Read more...] about Pouring Out Our Hearts as Prayer
Crying as Prayer
You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me. Psalm 86:5-7 Sometimes prayer is a cry from our heart. It is a raw pleading for mercy in times of trouble. There may be times of trouble when we find ourselves thinking, “I can’t go to God … [Read more...] about Crying as Prayer
Listening as Prayer
The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it. Love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. Deuteronomy 30: 14, 19 Many of us have only known prayer to be a one way conversation. We talk and God listens. But prayer is meant to be a two way conversation. Sometimes we talk. And sometimes we listen. It is true that the biblical text urges us … [Read more...] about Listening as Prayer
Breathing and other recommendations
In recent posts I have been talking about the role of shame in how we respond to difficult situations in ministry. What does all this have to do with our own work? Well, quite a lot. Here are a few ways to apply these principles: We are more than the worst problem we face today; there are small and wonderful ways we can love others, receive love, do good, find joy EVEN as we suffer and … [Read more...] about Breathing and other recommendations
Who gets to tell me I am fat?
In our community we work hard to be students in the field of addiction and recovery. Our community was founded on the big dream that families suffering from addiction, abuse, trauma and mental health issues needed a safe place to explore spirituality that suits their unique needs. We felt there were many wonderful worshiping communities that supported the perspective that “Every day with Jesus … [Read more...] about Who gets to tell me I am fat?
Chaos to Clarity
Continued from my previous post….Once I focused on my pastor friend’s concerns (and not my own), I inquired about his insights into 1 Timothy (the passage that had him all hot and bothered in previous conversations). He had none. This is understandable. During times of severe duress we shouldn’t expect insights. When we are stressed out, our body is preparing to fight, flee or freeze. It’s not … [Read more...] about Chaos to Clarity
