The function of prayer is… to change the nature of the one who prays. — Søren Kierkegaard Scripture shows us many types of interactions with God. We see Jacob wrestling with God for hours, and Job overcome with doubt and bitterness in His presence. We see Moses’ fearful excuses and Jonah’s stubborn resistance. Then…
Why Jesus Prayed
I look first to Jesus for clues to the mysteries of faith, and regarding prayer He did not seem to share some of my biggest struggles. He never wondered whether God exists, whether anyone is truly listening. He never questioned the importance of prayer; indeed, He would flee a crowd of needy people in…
The Storied God: How His Word Heals Our Stories
In your strings is hid a music that no hand hath e’er let fall, In your soul is sealed a pleasure that you have not known at all; Pleasure subtle as your spirit, strange and slender as your frame, Fiercer than the pain that folds you, softer than your sorrow’s name. — G. K. Chesterton,”The…
“Hello”
This, then, is how you should pray. — Matthew 6:9 Most of us won’t remember the first conversation we had with our horses, but it had to have started with some form of “Hello.” I like to say hello with a brush. Brushing horses builds trust between both human and horse. Brushing makes the horse…
Making the Most of Carpool Conversations for Faith Talks with Your Kids
I learned early on as a parent that when they’re not picking on one another or wondering how soon we’ll get where we’re going, children are a captive audience while riding in the car. As early as age 3, Big J–our now 7-year-old–was asking very challenging questions as we drove… “What do aardvarks eat?” “What…