It’s hard being new to the world. Welcoming a baby for the first time is rough. This prayer, inspired by my son, his wife, and their new daughter, is for all who have a new baby in the family.
Prayer
Breath Prayer: Short Prayers That Match the Rhythm of Breathing
Breath prayers are short two-phrase prayers said with the rhythm of our breathing. Ruth Haley Barton says they are “an expression of our heart’s deepest yearning coupled with the name for God that is most meaningful and intimate for us at this time.”
Lectio Divina: A Contemplative Practice
Lectio Divina (sacred reading) goes back to the early centuries of our church and continues to be a source of spiritual growth for believers today.
The Lord Bares His Strong Arm
I love WWII posters depicting Rosie the Riveter baring her strong arm. I applaud the women who rolled up their sleeves and got to work to help the troops on the front lines. Isaiah also refers to God way. He previously used the metaphor of his righteous right hand. Now he speaks about the arm of the Lord.
Prayer for Partners in the New Year
As we enter the new year, Mark and I want to pray for you—our partners—since you so faithfully pray for us:
A Liturgy After Times of Intense Ministry
I'm concluding about eight weeks of intense ministry that came on the heels of a book launch by practicing what I preach—taking time to rest and rejuvenate. This prayer was born only after three days of vegging out, catching up on household chores, and sleeping long hours. In a quiet coffee shop, I was finally able to put words to my feelings.
A Liturgy for Travel Woes
My recent overseas travel was a good reminder of what global workers (or anyone who travel a lot) frequently experience.
A Life With God
Since my word for 2023 is with, I enthusiastically dove into "With: Reimagining the way you relate to God" by Skye Jethani. The author’s thesis is, "Our true selves cannot be discovered by living under, over, from, or for God. It is something that will be revealed when we are fully with God."
