God of Freedom, We know it does not please you when we play at “fasting” and go through the motions of penance. You want us to free those who are wrongly imprisoned, lighten the burdens of those who work for you, let the oppressed go free, remove the chains thatContinue Reading
God of Restoration, Thank you that your steadfast love never ceases and your mercies are new every morning. You are our portion and we hope in you. Thank you that even when our circumstances look as dark as night, you do not abandon us. Even when the Israelites committed idolatryContinue Reading
Tonight I talked with someone whose spouse is very unsupportive, even verbally abusive. There are two preschool children in this marriage who watch and absorb this environment. My heart hurts for this situation. God, you who created all things and said they were good, we pray for each of theseContinue Reading
There seem to be two themes in my life right now. First is that of seeking God’s wisdom and guidance for decisions to be made. Second is that of needing healing. These themes manefest themselves in different ways – a friend whose mother was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer andContinue Reading
Dear Friend, Your husband asked me to write a letter of encouragement to you as you attend a special women’s retreat at your church this weekend. I think I will pray over you and let the Word of God work within your heart and mine. “Hey there! All who areContinue Reading
For the last 15 years or so I’ve heard people in ministry bemoaning the shrinking of the “mainline Church.” This usually comes with the statistics of how many members were lost last year, what the trend has been the last 5 (10, 20, 50) years, and how churches and denominationsContinue Reading