This week I'm preaching on the Ten Commandments. I was thinking to myself as I prepared for this blog post, "How could I incorporate the Ten Commandments in prayer?" In reading a commentary article on Exodus 20, I was given an answer. The Ten Commandments have been interpreted by some to be a kind of … Continue reading Tuesday Prayer: Our Response →

Last Sunday, we discussed blessing in the face of hardships. Ultimately, we are always blessed (see Matthew 5:11-12) when God is with us not matter our circumstance. Henri Nouwen speaks to that in his book Life of the Beloved. Hear his reflection on prayer, and take time this week to practice it: "For me personally, prayer … Continue reading Tuesday Prayer: Listen to the Blessing →

This week we are looking at the story of Joseph, Abraham's great-grandson. Jospeh had so many ups and downs. His story in Genesis is a roller coaster. I think we can find solidarity with Joseph in that; our lives are also full of ups and downs. This week, we'll look at a big up and … Continue reading Tuesday Prayer: God’s Presence →

This week's prayer is probably our most familiar prayer, but I'm going to ask you to pray it differently than normal. The Lord's Prayer, which we pray every Sunday in unison, is the example Jesus gave his disciples when they asked, "Lord, teach us to pray..." (Luke 11:1). Here's what we'll do today: I want … Continue reading Tuesday Prayer: The Lord’s Prayer →

In Ruth 2, which we'll explore this Sunday, contains a special sort of prayer. I call it special for two reasons: one, it's not a typical prayer we'd pray (it's more of a blessing), and two, it is a prayer that the one praying embodies. We are called to pray. We are also called to seek … Continue reading Tuesday Prayer →

This week I've been contemplating and praying through the spiritual rhythms of my life. How and when I read Scripture, pray, meditate, rest, etc. This is important for me as a pastor, but it's also important for every Christian. On that note, one resource I read expressed the importance of praising God as our first … Continue reading Tuesday Prayer →

July 3, 2018 The psalms help us pray. I use them to give me words I cannot express, either out of speechlessness or ignorance. When I am speechless due to joy or grief, the psalms give me words to pray. When I am ignorant of what needs to be prayed, the psalms gently guide me. … Continue reading Tuesday Prayer →