Why pray? Why do you pray? How does prayer affect your life? These thought-provoking questions help us dig deeper into the purpose of prayer in our live. Think about it. Ponder the quote below from C. S. Lewis about why we pray. Journal your reasons for prayer. Ask others and engage in a conversation about prayer. I pray because I can’t help myself. I pray because I’m helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn’t change God, it changes me. -C.S. Lewis What do you think as you read this quote? Certain words jump out to me and I love the passion in the first line about "because I can't help myself." I know what he means but often my prayer life isn't at that level of humble thirst for God. The word "flow" touches me. The concept of prayer flowing freely between this tiny human spirit and the Holy Spirit of God - all the time, in all circumstances - inspires me to want that depth of prayer in my life. And that prayer … [Read more...]
Poems to Ponder
So? – A Poem to Ponder So you aren’t Tolstoy or St. Francis Or even a well-known singer Of popular songs and will never read Greek or speak French fluently, Will never see something no one else Has seen before through a lens Or with the naked eye. You’ve been given just the one life in this world that matters And upon which every other life Somehow depends as long as you live, and also given the costly gifts of hunger, Choice, and pain with which to raise A modest shrine to meaning. Leonard Nathan And as another poet, Mary Oliver wrote: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” … [Read more...]
Prayer – Quote of the Week
Let prayer be the key of the morning and the bolt at night. Philip Henry … [Read more...]
Keep our Questions Alive – Quote of the Week
It seems to me Lord that we search much too desperately for answers, when a good question holds as much grace as an answer. Jesus, you are the Great Questioner. Keep our questions alive, that we may always be seekers rather than settlers. Guard us well from the sin of settling in with our answers hugged to our breasts. Make of us a wondering, far-sighted, questioning, restless people And give us the feet of pilgrims on this journey unfinished. ~~Macrina Wiederkehr … [Read more...]
When Life Becomes a Roller Coaster, Enjoy the Ride! – Quote of the Week
"Life is full of ups and downs. If you are anything like me, more than once you’ve prayed to God to take away some of the low spots. If I had only realized, the experience I was trying to avoid was actually a life-altering opportunity that shaped me into the woman I am today, I would have yelled, 'Hit me with your best shot!' Knowing this after the fact didn’t make it any easier, but I now see I’m a better person for having endured it. So the next time your life becomes a roller coaster, Climb into the front seat, throw your arms in the air and enjoy the ride!" Suzy Toronto … [Read more...]
The Grace of God – Quote of the Week – Frederick Buechner
The grace of God means something like: Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are because the party wouldn't have been complete without you. Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid. I am with you. Nothing can ever separate us. It's for you I created the universe. I love you. There's only one catch. Like any other gift, the gift of grace can be yours only if you'll reach out and take it. Maybe being able to reach out and take it is a gift too. -Frederick Buechner … [Read more...]
Let Faith be your Bridge – Quote of the Week – Maya Angelou
Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good. –Maya Angelou … [Read more...]
God Loves Us – Poem by Edwina Gately
God love us when we cannot; God holds us when we will not; God sees us when wee dare not; God knows us when we do not. But, oh, that we might come To love and hold ourselves, To see and know ourselves, That we might then glimpse God Edwina Gately … [Read more...]