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
This week in the U.S. we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. While it can serve as a much needed reminder to be thankful, sometimes it just serves as an opportunity to get together, eat way too much food, and (if you're so inclined) watch parades and football. God calls us to much more, though. He calls … Continue reading Praying Scripture – 11/27/2019
As I've been diving back into the spiritual discipline of silence this fall, the first line of Psalm 46:10 keeps coming to mind. But it's always good to go back and put those fragments into context. The whole verse reads He says, "Be still, and know that I am God;I will be exalted among the … Continue reading Praying Scripture – 11/20/2019
