And Mary said:“My soul glorifies the Lordand my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be mercifulto Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”Luke 1: 46-55I am so ashamed, Lord. Please forgive me.The majority of my prayers begin with “I.”The focus is me - what I want, what I think I need, what I demand. Often giving You orders instead of humbly reporting to duty.Even the prayers for others drip with ego.In this prayer … [Read more...]
Healing Comfort Prayer – Lectio Divina
All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah!Father of all mercy!God of all healing counsel!He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too.2 Corinthians 1: 3-5 (The Message)Healing ComfortI stumbled into your arms tonight, Lord.My heart plunges even further shattered in disbelief; in pieces that can’t be put back together.Lord, this evil that pervades the world overwhelms us at times.Wickedness darkens our life by snuffing out too many candles, much too soon.I am weary of senseless violence, Lord.Eradicate evil and grant us Your Goodness.Today I hold my kids a little longer.Tomorrow I will snuggle my precious grandkids.But some have empty arms … [Read more...]
A Prayer for the Reader – Lectio Divina
I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ for this will bring much glory and praise to GodPhilippians 3: 9-11 (NLT)Lord today I lift up into Your loving hands the readers of these words.Some who come here are celebrating Your joyous presence.Others drown in tears of loss.Another one stands lost in the dark fog of not knowing where to go to next.But we all come to You today Lord just as we are - in need of You.I ask You to pour into their hearts Your love until overflowing.Grant that they grow in knowing and embracing You.Purify their motivations and wash clean their desires to mirror You, Lord.May the work of their hands honor You and tell others of Your grace, … [Read more...]
An Advent Prayer – Henri Nouwen – Quote of the Week
Lord Jesus,Master of both the light and the darkness,send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!” Amen.-Henri Nouwen … [Read more...]
Trusting God – Lectio Divina
In you, Lord my God, I put my trust.Psalm 25: 1Lord, I read this verse today and my heart rejoiced.Years ago, a flash in Your eyes, You led me to these words as my first breath prayer.A scripture I silently, repeatedly, pray in my heart throughout the day.In You, Lord my God, I put my trust.Your voice in these words wraps its warmth around me like a thick comforter at night.This divine declaration carries me through tough times when I can’t find You or know where to turn to next.These words anchor me in the storms and rescue me from the thrashing waves of life.When I have no idea where to go, what to do, and the unknown overwhelms me, my only prayer, my only step is to put my trust in You.You are my Lord, my God.When thoughts distract me like mosquitoes and worries invade my soul, I find peace and stillness in these words.In You, only in You, Lord do I put my trust.I empty my hands of all that blocks me from You and come palms upward to my God, my Lord.I entrust my all, everything, … [Read more...]
A Prayer of Wonder – Quote of the Week
Days pass and the years vanish and we walk sightless among miracles. Lord, fill our eyes with seeing and our minds with knowing. Let there be moments when your Presence, like lightning, illumines the darkness in which we walk. Help us to see, wherever we gaze, that the bush burns, unconsumed. And we, clay touched by God, will reach out for holiness and exclaim in wonder, "How filled with awe is this place and we did not know it." Jewish Prayer … [Read more...]
Why a Can of Green Beans Brought Me to Tears on Thanksgiving
Ok, I am supposed to be grateful, right?Count those blessings.Make that list of 1000+ reasons to give thanks. (Thanks Ann Voskamp and your wonderful book, 1000 Gifts) Work on the spiritual disciple of gratitude.Embrace Thanksgiving as THEday to share what we are thankful for with the family - the perfect family smiling around the dinner table with halos abounding and hearts full of love. Yeah, right.My Thanksgiving expectations: Norman Rockwell.My reality: Kitchen Nightmare or Lethal Cooking.To be honest, last Thursday was not THAT bad, but by midmorning, by myself, preparing all the food, I sipped on a mug of self-pity. I wanted to make a huge Thanksgiving meal. My family insists that every year I cook for an army. So I set myself up for this annual why-me-scenario. I do it to myself!The green bean casserole broke me.You know the concoction - heavy laden with calories and memories. Green beans, those yummy eat from the can onion rings and cream of mushroom soup. I have tried lighter … [Read more...]
Prayer – Edward Hays – Quote of the Week
Grant me daily the grace of gratitude, to be thankful for all my many gifts, and so be freed from artificial needs, that I might lead a joyful, simple life.Edward Hays … [Read more...]