Last weekend I asked what motivates us, which brings to mind this verse from the Psalms: Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.Psalm 37:4 NIV Father, You tell us that when we delight in You, You will give us the desires of our hearts. Transform us, Lord, … Continue reading Praying Scripture – 1/29/2020
Last year I spent about a month immersed in the poetry of Psalm 8, but no matter how many times I read them, verses 3 and 4 always strike me to the core: When I consider your heavens,the work of your fingers,the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,what is [humankind] that … Continue reading Praying Scripture – 1/22/2020
While Psalm 1:1-2 describes the things that the "happy" or "blessed" person does and doesn't do, verse 3 offers a beautiful metaphor for this person: That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,which yields its fruit in seasonand whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.Psalm 1:3 NIV Father, Your word teaches … Continue reading Praying Scripture – 1/15/2020
Psalm 1 paints the portrait of two paths that we can choose from: to delight in God's instruction or to walk in the way of the wicked. The "law of the Lord" can also be translated as the "instruction of YHWH," which I prefer for two reasons. First, culturally we bring certain expectations to the … Continue reading Praying Scripture – 1/8/2020
When the New Year knocks at the door, many people adopt New Year’s resolutions. Others choose theme words, theme verses, or even 30-day challenges to start the year, hoping to kick start a new habit. Two years ago I started journaling in January. (No, I’m not about to insist that you start!) It wasn’t so … Continue reading When Did You Last Take a Good, Hard Look?
As we start this New Year I can think of no prayer that I would rather pray than the high priestly blessing. Not only does it serve as my prayer for each of you today, but in her book Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters Carmen Imes has talked about the fact that this … Continue reading Praying Scripture – 1/1/2020
Merry Christmas! Today I pray that your day is filled with wonder and awe at the gift of the Incarnation of our loving God. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a … Continue reading Praying Scripture – 12/25/2019
As Christmas draws ever closer, we turn to the theme of joy. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the … Continue reading Praying Scripture – 12/18/2019
Different traditions focus on slightly different themes during Advent. Last week, we focused on hope. This week, we turn to the theme of preparation. A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3 NIV Father, we may not … Continue reading Praying Scripture – 12/11/2019
As usual, I have allowed Advent to sneak up on me. If I'd been planning ahead I would have written some blog posts tying into its themes. Maybe next year. This year, though, I thought that we could pray through some of the traditional Advent readings together for the next four weeks. 6 For to us … Continue reading Praying Scripture – 12/4/2019
Life Beyond #Blessed 