Scripture: James 5:13-18
Summary: Pray for yourself and pray for one another and amazing things will happen!
Thoughts: This is a great scripture for everyday living! If you are suffering, you should pray. If you are cheerful, you should sing songs of praise. If you are sick, ask the elders to annoint you with oil and pray for you. It says, "The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective." What more do we need to know!?!? I've often wondered exactly how prayer works. Does God change thing just because we pray? Or is the change in us, causing us to do things differently? Or does it change the person that we are praying for? I don't know. But I do know that no matter how it works, it does. Prayer does change things. It is powerful and effective, as this scripture says. So the more time that we spend in prayer, the more we will change things for the better! Thanks be to God!
Prayer: Lord let prayer be always on my lips and in my thoughts, for through it you cause powerful things to happen! Amen.
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Monday, November 22, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
James 4:7-10 - draw near to God
Scripture: James 4:7-10
Summary: Submit yourselves to God. Draw near to God and God will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands and purify your hearts.
Thoughts: How do I submit myself to God? How do I draw near to God? I was reading another blog last week of a youth minister who had asked his church to give him one day of sabbatical a month. He said the first time that he took this sabbatical time it was very difficult for him to just sit still and do nothing. I have the same problem. I have the "busy" gene which makes me feel nervous if I am not doing something that I consider productive. I'm sure that I got this from my mother, who could never sit still. In fact, as I sit here trying to blog about this scripture, I have noticed dust on the top of the pictures near my desk and my first inclination is to get up and get something to dust them with. But I am trying to overcome my "busy" gene and allow myself to draw near to God. As an extrovert, blogging is a good way for me to make myself sit down and read scripture and allow God to speak to me. There are lots of ways that you can draw near to God. You can read scripture, pray, or go to church. You can fast (from food or something else that you enjoy). You can go to the local park and sit outside, listening for God. Try them all unl you find ways that draw you toward God. As this scripture says, "Humble yourself before the Lord and he will exalt you."
Prayer: Lord I want to draw near to you but often I'm unwilling to take the time to make it so. Free me from the chaff with which I fill my life so that I might hear you more clearly. Amen.
Summary: Submit yourselves to God. Draw near to God and God will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands and purify your hearts.
Thoughts: How do I submit myself to God? How do I draw near to God? I was reading another blog last week of a youth minister who had asked his church to give him one day of sabbatical a month. He said the first time that he took this sabbatical time it was very difficult for him to just sit still and do nothing. I have the same problem. I have the "busy" gene which makes me feel nervous if I am not doing something that I consider productive. I'm sure that I got this from my mother, who could never sit still. In fact, as I sit here trying to blog about this scripture, I have noticed dust on the top of the pictures near my desk and my first inclination is to get up and get something to dust them with. But I am trying to overcome my "busy" gene and allow myself to draw near to God. As an extrovert, blogging is a good way for me to make myself sit down and read scripture and allow God to speak to me. There are lots of ways that you can draw near to God. You can read scripture, pray, or go to church. You can fast (from food or something else that you enjoy). You can go to the local park and sit outside, listening for God. Try them all unl you find ways that draw you toward God. As this scripture says, "Humble yourself before the Lord and he will exalt you."
Prayer: Lord I want to draw near to you but often I'm unwilling to take the time to make it so. Free me from the chaff with which I fill my life so that I might hear you more clearly. Amen.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
James 1:19-21 - Be quick to listen
Note: I should probably mention that I am assuming that readers of this blog read the scripture when they are reading the blog. Although I include a summary of the scripture, you will miss a good deal of what the scripture says if you depend on my summary.
Scripture: James 1:19-21
Summary: Listen more than you speak and welcome the Word that God has planted in us to save our souls.
Thoughts: The first part of this scripture really speaks to me today (funny that I chose to use the word speaks!). When I'm having a conversation with someone, it is so easy for me to listen to them with only half of my brain, while the other half begins to formulate my response to them. But people who are really good listeners are able to turn this off, so that they give you their entire attention when you are speaking. Then they formulate their response and give that to you. What a different world this would be if we all followed this pattern and became better listeners. On this track, what if we take this same listening skill and apply it to our interaction with God? What if we spent half of our prayer time listening to God with our whole hearts, rather than spending the entire time talking? Isn't prayer really a conversation? Shouldn't we give God our best, listening to any word from God with care?
Prayer: Help me God to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger." And especially to be quick to listen for your word to me. Amen.
Scripture: James 1:19-21
Summary: Listen more than you speak and welcome the Word that God has planted in us to save our souls.
Thoughts: The first part of this scripture really speaks to me today (funny that I chose to use the word speaks!). When I'm having a conversation with someone, it is so easy for me to listen to them with only half of my brain, while the other half begins to formulate my response to them. But people who are really good listeners are able to turn this off, so that they give you their entire attention when you are speaking. Then they formulate their response and give that to you. What a different world this would be if we all followed this pattern and became better listeners. On this track, what if we take this same listening skill and apply it to our interaction with God? What if we spent half of our prayer time listening to God with our whole hearts, rather than spending the entire time talking? Isn't prayer really a conversation? Shouldn't we give God our best, listening to any word from God with care?
Prayer: Help me God to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger." And especially to be quick to listen for your word to me. Amen.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Hebrews 4:1-11 - Come and Rest Awhile
Scripture: Hebrews 4:1-11
Summary: This scripture encourages us to enter into God's rest, much as God rested on the 7th day of creation.
Thoughts: The scripture says "let us take care that none of you should seem to have failed to reach it," speaking about God's rest. I don't know about you, but I could really use some rest! I'm behind in my reading for all of my classes and I have 2 conference retreats to plan for in the next 2 weeks! I'm stressed and feeling like I don't have 5 minutes to rest and reflect. But Reuben Job says "Decide today to establish a way of life that includes time for daily prayer, reflection, and regular worship in a congregation." I'm already doing the regular worship thing every Sunday. My church is awesome and feeds me. But I'm not taking the time each day to pray, reflect, and listen for God. God wants to spend time with me even more than I want to spend time with God. So why is that not happening? It's because I'm not making the time. So maybe, in this season of Lent, you and I can find the time to give to God. Because even just 5 minutes with God each day will feed us in ways we can't even imagine!
Prayer: Steadfast God, you are there, waiting, patiently, for me to make time for you. You, who have given me everything, long for some time with me each day. Let me be willing to make that time for you so that you might feed me. Amen.
Summary: This scripture encourages us to enter into God's rest, much as God rested on the 7th day of creation.
Thoughts: The scripture says "let us take care that none of you should seem to have failed to reach it," speaking about God's rest. I don't know about you, but I could really use some rest! I'm behind in my reading for all of my classes and I have 2 conference retreats to plan for in the next 2 weeks! I'm stressed and feeling like I don't have 5 minutes to rest and reflect. But Reuben Job says "Decide today to establish a way of life that includes time for daily prayer, reflection, and regular worship in a congregation." I'm already doing the regular worship thing every Sunday. My church is awesome and feeds me. But I'm not taking the time each day to pray, reflect, and listen for God. God wants to spend time with me even more than I want to spend time with God. So why is that not happening? It's because I'm not making the time. So maybe, in this season of Lent, you and I can find the time to give to God. Because even just 5 minutes with God each day will feed us in ways we can't even imagine!
Prayer: Steadfast God, you are there, waiting, patiently, for me to make time for you. You, who have given me everything, long for some time with me each day. Let me be willing to make that time for you so that you might feed me. Amen.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Luke 24:28-35 - When Jesus slips away
Scripture: Luke 24:28-35
Summary: This text is the end of the story about the disciples meeting Jesus, after the resurrection on the road to Emmaus. It is not until Jesus breaks bread with them that they realize who he is. Then Jesus vanishes.
Thoughts: Even though we have often been told that God is always with us, there are times that it does not feel that way. I am struggling now because my sister is in the hospital 400 miles away. I am overwhelmed trying to make sure that she is well cared for, working on assignments for school, taking my kids to all of the places they need to be each week, etc. I feel far away from God right now. When Jesus left these disciples, though, it doesn't sound as if they felt abandoned. Far from it! When Jesus disappeared, they returned to Jerusalem to share their news with the other disciples. In my head, I know that God is always with me. But sometimes it doesn't feel that way. But what can I do to correct that feeling? Perhaps if I make more space for God in my life I will not feel so alone. By worshiping with others in community each week and by being more consistent in my prayer time, I may be able to shorten these times in my life when I can't feel God's presence.
Prayer: God, help me to stop hiding from you! Remind me daily, even hourly, that I need to spend time with you in order to be more aware of your presence and guidance in my life. Amen.
Summary: This text is the end of the story about the disciples meeting Jesus, after the resurrection on the road to Emmaus. It is not until Jesus breaks bread with them that they realize who he is. Then Jesus vanishes.
Thoughts: Even though we have often been told that God is always with us, there are times that it does not feel that way. I am struggling now because my sister is in the hospital 400 miles away. I am overwhelmed trying to make sure that she is well cared for, working on assignments for school, taking my kids to all of the places they need to be each week, etc. I feel far away from God right now. When Jesus left these disciples, though, it doesn't sound as if they felt abandoned. Far from it! When Jesus disappeared, they returned to Jerusalem to share their news with the other disciples. In my head, I know that God is always with me. But sometimes it doesn't feel that way. But what can I do to correct that feeling? Perhaps if I make more space for God in my life I will not feel so alone. By worshiping with others in community each week and by being more consistent in my prayer time, I may be able to shorten these times in my life when I can't feel God's presence.
Prayer: God, help me to stop hiding from you! Remind me daily, even hourly, that I need to spend time with you in order to be more aware of your presence and guidance in my life. Amen.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Mark 6:45-52 - When Nothing Goes Our Way
Scripture: Mark 6:45-52
Summary: This is the Mark version of Jesus walking on water. The disciples take the boat without Jesus to cross the sea. Evening comes and Jesus can see that they are straining against the wind so he walks toward them early in the morning. They were afraid when they saw him but he spoke to them and climbed into the boat and the wind ceased.
Thoughts: There are days when I wish Jesus would come and rescue me from the wind. Days when I only get a few hours sleep, for several days in a row, and it seems that the demands on me don't let up until late at night. When I grow exhausted from fighting against the wind, I wish for Jesus to still it so that I can rest. But isn't this what God does for us when we take the time to be in prayer? Doesn't God give us comfort and rest when we take the time to be with God?
Prayer: Help me to remember that if I take the time to be with you each day, it will be better. Not that the demands on me will cease, but that you will give me strength and perseverance to finish what I have to do. Thank you for being there for me at all times. Amen.
Summary: This is the Mark version of Jesus walking on water. The disciples take the boat without Jesus to cross the sea. Evening comes and Jesus can see that they are straining against the wind so he walks toward them early in the morning. They were afraid when they saw him but he spoke to them and climbed into the boat and the wind ceased.
Thoughts: There are days when I wish Jesus would come and rescue me from the wind. Days when I only get a few hours sleep, for several days in a row, and it seems that the demands on me don't let up until late at night. When I grow exhausted from fighting against the wind, I wish for Jesus to still it so that I can rest. But isn't this what God does for us when we take the time to be in prayer? Doesn't God give us comfort and rest when we take the time to be with God?
Prayer: Help me to remember that if I take the time to be with you each day, it will be better. Not that the demands on me will cease, but that you will give me strength and perseverance to finish what I have to do. Thank you for being there for me at all times. Amen.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Matthew 7:7-11 - Prayer
Scripture: Matthew 7:7-11
Summary: Jesus says nott to pray so that everyone hears, but to pray secretly. He also gives them a prayer to pray (the Lord's Prayer).
Thoughts: Often during a church service, I hear someone praying beautiful prayers, that are eloquently put together. I find myself wishing that I could pray so eloquently. But what does God really want from us in terms of prayer? This scripture reminds me that God doesn't care how beautiful my prayers are. I believe that God wants each of us to pray in our own way. It's more important that our prayers be real expressions of our feelings and our needs. If you want to improve your prayer life, focus more on your feelings than on the words. What are you thankful for? What do you need? Who else do you want to pray for? A good outline can be found in the Lord's prayer.
Prayer: Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Summary: Jesus says nott to pray so that everyone hears, but to pray secretly. He also gives them a prayer to pray (the Lord's Prayer).
Thoughts: Often during a church service, I hear someone praying beautiful prayers, that are eloquently put together. I find myself wishing that I could pray so eloquently. But what does God really want from us in terms of prayer? This scripture reminds me that God doesn't care how beautiful my prayers are. I believe that God wants each of us to pray in our own way. It's more important that our prayers be real expressions of our feelings and our needs. If you want to improve your prayer life, focus more on your feelings than on the words. What are you thankful for? What do you need? Who else do you want to pray for? A good outline can be found in the Lord's prayer.
Prayer: Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
John 17:1-11 - Prayer
Scripture: John 17:1-11
Summary: Jesus is praying to God and asking God to protect the people, since he will not be with them much longer.
Jesus says "Now that I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, ... protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one." I think this is what we are all about, as human beings. God wants us to live as one in community, just as God lives in the community of the Trinity. We are made in the image of God and we are called to live as God shows us in the ultimate community of the Trinity. What better example of community can we have than the Trinity where God works together and plays together in love!
Prayer: God, help me to emulate your community of the Trinity in my relationships, with other people and with the other creatures of your world. Amen.
Summary: Jesus is praying to God and asking God to protect the people, since he will not be with them much longer.
Jesus says "Now that I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, ... protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one." I think this is what we are all about, as human beings. God wants us to live as one in community, just as God lives in the community of the Trinity. We are made in the image of God and we are called to live as God shows us in the ultimate community of the Trinity. What better example of community can we have than the Trinity where God works together and plays together in love!
Prayer: God, help me to emulate your community of the Trinity in my relationships, with other people and with the other creatures of your world. Amen.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Jeremiah 33:1-9 - Prayer
Scripture: Jeremiah 33:1-9
Summary: God is telling Jeremiah that God will rebuild Jerusalem and will cleanse the people of their sin.
God says "Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." (verse 3) Again, God is telling us how much is possible if we pray. What important things are we missing because we are not listening to God as much as we could? I think today I will try to listen more than I talk, both to God and to other people.
Prayer: Help me to listen God. Amen.
Summary: God is telling Jeremiah that God will rebuild Jerusalem and will cleanse the people of their sin.
God says "Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." (verse 3) Again, God is telling us how much is possible if we pray. What important things are we missing because we are not listening to God as much as we could? I think today I will try to listen more than I talk, both to God and to other people.
Prayer: Help me to listen God. Amen.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Luke 11:1-13 - Prayer
Scripture: Luke 11:1-13 (please take the time to find your Bible and read this scripture or read it on-line at: http://bible.oremus.org/)
Summary: Jesus is teaching his disciples how to pray and goes on to say that God will give good gifts to those of us who ask!
What would my life be like if I prayed every day? Not just every day, but all throughout th day? I remember to pray when I am in need. That's when it is easy. But I'm not so good at dropping in those quick breath prayers when I need centering or at thanking God for the wonderful things God gives me each day. What I hear in this scripture today is this: The more we talk to God and listen to God (which is really what I think prayer is) the closer we will be to God. It works the same way with a friend. I am closest to those friends that I talk with every day, or almost every day. If we only chose to talk/listen to God when we are in crisis, God will still be there for us, but our connection will not be as clear as it would be if we connected on a regular basis! So if I keep the path to God well travelled, it will be alot easier to find God in those times of crisis in my life.
Prayer: God, help me to find ways to remember to pray throughout the day. Amen.
Summary: Jesus is teaching his disciples how to pray and goes on to say that God will give good gifts to those of us who ask!
What would my life be like if I prayed every day? Not just every day, but all throughout th day? I remember to pray when I am in need. That's when it is easy. But I'm not so good at dropping in those quick breath prayers when I need centering or at thanking God for the wonderful things God gives me each day. What I hear in this scripture today is this: The more we talk to God and listen to God (which is really what I think prayer is) the closer we will be to God. It works the same way with a friend. I am closest to those friends that I talk with every day, or almost every day. If we only chose to talk/listen to God when we are in crisis, God will still be there for us, but our connection will not be as clear as it would be if we connected on a regular basis! So if I keep the path to God well travelled, it will be alot easier to find God in those times of crisis in my life.
Prayer: God, help me to find ways to remember to pray throughout the day. Amen.
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