Why do you pray? Knowing why we pray deepens our prayer life and helps us hear God. 2018 is the year of prayer here on the Healthy Spirituality blog and last month we explore the definitions of prayer. Each month this year on the Tending the Holy Thursdays there will be a focus on an aspect of prayer and of course a monthly free download. On my Thursday posts, I pick one theme (or person of faith) to explore deeper. I call this series Tending the Holy Thursdays. This month let's look at why we pray. I am excited about this month’s free download “40 Bible Verses about Prayer,” You can get this resource free by clicking on the button at the end of this post. I hope these verses help you explore the many reasons why we pray. Last Thursday we began looking at why we pray by pondering how we are both commanded to pray and called, invited to talk, and listen with God. Why Pray – Connecting One reason I pray is to connect with God. To unite with someone beyond myself. To deepen this … [Read more...]
Creating a Lenten Sacred Space at Home
A few years ago, I created a sacred space, a home altar, near the chair where I pray. I wrote about it on a blog post called "3 Steps for Creating a Sacred Space at Home." Last week I read this article called "Creating a Lenten Prayer Space at Home" and was inspired to rearrange my home sacred space to help create a prayer filled environment for the special season of Lent that begins tomorrow. Items in a Lenten Sacred Space Mark 15:16-20 I found a purple cloth for my altar. Purple is the color of Lent. Black used to be the color associated with Lent since purple dye was so expensive to reproduce. Purple emerged as the color of royalty. We are remembering Jesus is our King and Savior. Purple now represents mourning as we ponder the sacrifice of Christ. “The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began … [Read more...]
Why Pray? Called and Commanded
“He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.” Friedrich Nietzsche "Know Your Why" was the recent topic at my Weight Watcher meeting. The leader challenged us not to just quickly find the answer to the question "Why do we want to lose weight?" but to sit with that question for a while, allowing a variety of answers to emerge. She kept asking Why is that your why, then encouraging us to dig even deeper exploring the why behind every why. This probing into our why's helped us articulate and describe our deepest desire for being healthier and inspired us to keep motivated even in difficult times. 2018 is the year of prayer here on the Healthy Spirituality blog and last month we explore the definitions of prayer. Each month this year on the Tending the Holy Thursdays there will be a focus on an aspect of prayer and of course a monthly free download. On my Thursday posts, I pick one theme (or person of faith) to explore deeper. I call this series Tending the Holy Thursdays. This … [Read more...]
2018 Lessons – Word and Art Expressions
What lessons have you learned so far in 2018? According to researchers, people quit more than 80% of all New Year resolutions by the second week in February. I find the weather so dreary this time of year in Ohio so to learn this about the month regarding failure compounds the depression. I don't like resolutions. The negativity of their collapse is one reason I call them goals instead. I list what I feel God is asking me to work on, to experience, to become in the coming 12 months and plan steps to work towards them throughout the year. Progress, not perfection. Two broad "goals" that I wrote about on this blog for this year is the Year of Reading and the Year of Creativity. I thought I would share an update on these two areas, hoping my small steps forward may inspire your goals too. 2018 Lessons - Year of Reading. Yes, I am reading more in 2018. I have discovered if I take the time to read 15-30 minutes in the morning, I absorb the information with more depth. The words linger … [Read more...]
The Positive Power of a Compliment
The positive power of a compliment can lift moods, bring a smile and even change a life. When someone says something nice to you about you doesn't that compliment light up your spirit and soothe your soul? January 24 is National Compliment Day. I had never heard of this holiday and think we need more than one day to say something nice about someone else, but at least for one day, we can focus on passing on a kind words. National Compliment Day Give a compliment and intentionally spread even more on National Compliment Day on January 24. A compliment is a positive and powerful encouragement. Kind words infuse confidence in a child and inspiration in adults. When we compliment another, they feel like someone notices them and feels accepted by them – a basic human need for us. And amazingly enough, even a small compliment goes a long way. National Compliment Day began in 1998 – so this year marks its 20th anniversary. Hey, that's a good idea and goal. Between now and … [Read more...]
More Thoughts on What is Prayer?
2018 is the Year of Prayer – on this blog and in NW Ohio synod where our Bishop is inviting us to delve deeper into prayer. Each month on the Tending the Holy Thursdays there will be a focus on an aspect of prayer and of course a monthly free download. On my Thursday posts, I pick one theme (or person of faith) to explore deeper. I call this series Tending the Holy Thursdays. This month exploring what prayer is will be the topic I am so excited too about this month’s free download “50 Books about Prayer,” You can get this resource free by clicking on the button at the end of this post. This printable shares 50 books on prayer – there are so many books on prayer, definitely more than 50, but this list is a good starting point for learning more about this practice. And remember we can read, study, listen to podcasts all about prayer, but the best teacher about prayer is praying, spending time with God. Simply talking and listening. Tell God you what to deepen your prayer life and he … [Read more...]
Internal Noise and Busyness
Noise – it permeates our environment – internally and externally, causing anxiety, distraction, and detours from our calling. "Uncluttering Noise and Busyness" is the second of a two-part series here on Healthy Spirituality. This topic was frequently mentioned in last fall's readers' survey and in comments so I know this is an issue for many of us. Also, January is a natural month to declutter and tidy things up – why not also get your heart and mind in order? Last Tuesday we explored external noise and ideas to manage noise and busy and you can read about my fun with "un" words giving suggestions for the outside noise and hastiness that bombard our lives. But what about internal noise and busyness? I think this environment is perhaps more difficult to pin point and manage. Internal Noise and Busyness What is internal noise and busyness? Internal noise is the voice inside us that constantly chatters. We speak to ourselves continually, creating clamor that drones on … [Read more...]
Year of Prayer – What is Prayer?
What is prayer? Welcome to the Year of Prayer. Our Bishop has named 2018 the Year of Prayer and each church and even the synod as a whole is exploring the practice of prayer. Since prayer is such a foundation to a healthy spirituality, this theme is fitting for the blog this coming year too. Each month on the Tending the Holy Thursdays there will be a focus on an aspect of prayer and of course a monthly free download. On my Thursday posts, I pick one theme (or person of faith) to explore deeper. I call this series Tending the Holy Thursdays. This month exploring what prayer is will be the topic. I am so excited too about this month’s free download “50 Books about Prayer,” You can get this resource free by clicking on the button at the end of this post. This printable shares 50 books on prayer – there are so many books on prayer, definitely more than 50, but this list is a good starting point for learning more about this practice. And remember we can read, study, listen to podcasts … [Read more...]