Prayer of Saint Francis de Sales Be at Peace Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life; rather look to them with full hope as they arise. God, whose very own you are, will deliver you from out of them. He has kept you hitherto, and He will lead you safely through all things; and when you …
Quote of the Week, The Importance of Every Decision, by Armand Nicholi
“Every decision a person makes . . . will take him toward or away from a relationship with the Person who made him, the one relationship for which that person was created.”[i]—Armand Nicholi, Clinical Professor of Psychology, Harvard Medical School [i] Nicholi is paraphrasing well-known Christian apologist and author C. S. Lewis in this quote. See Armand Nicholi, The Question …
Column entry, “Revelation in Reverse,” by Chase Mitchell
Column: Image to Image: Musings on Faith, Media, and Story June entry: “Revelation in Reverse” Column Description: Image to Image: Musings on Faith, Media, and Story is a monthly column that illuminates old and new ideas about media ecology from a Christian perspective. Dr. Mitchell will explore what it means to bear God’s image and Christian witness in a mediated world, with …
Vlog entry, Adjusting Our Inner Dialogue, by Stephanie Bennett
(Adjusting our Inner Dialogue in) The Secret Place What does it mean to be “transformed by the renewal of the mind?” In this short word based on Romans 12: 1-4 we think about the way GOD works in our lives, and it’s not usually the way the world and its systems effectuate change. Some of the transformation comes from the …
A Prayer for Communicators, World Communications Day
Prayer for Communicators Lord, let the good news of your marvelous deeds fall on every ear, and let all tongues rejoice in your wisdom, your compassion, your faithfulness, and your love. Make me bold and let me share your Word with those you desire to reach. As my heart overflows with your love, speak through me. Let me proclaim your …
Communication Devotional, Gentle Answers, Harsh Words, by Donna Elkins
Gentle Answers, Harsh Words A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15: 1 (NIV) I was recently involved in a group email situation at work that became a flurry of harsh words rather than gentle, respectful breeze of give-and-take. The problem began when a part-time employee asked for a simple exception to the …
Quote of the Week, Beginner’s Mind, by Richard Rohr
“Beginner’s mind knows it needs something. This is a rare feeling in today’s treacherously seductive culture, however. Because it is so immediately satisfying, it is hard to remain spiritually hungry. We give answers too quickly, take away pain too easily, and too quickly stimulate.”[i]—Richard Rohr, Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer [i] Richard Rohr, Everything Belongs: The Gift of …
A Prayer for Grace to Walk in Holiness, Sarum Rite, 11th century
For Grace to Walk in Holiness O God of strength, you surpass all understanding, and you mercifully give your people mercy and judgment. Empower us to faithfully love you, and to walk this day in the way of righteousness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Source: Sarum Rite, eleventh century Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the …
Quote of the Week, The Need for Detachment and Attachment, by Richard Foster
“There is need for detachment—a ‘sabbath of contemplation’ as Peter of Celles, a Benedictine monk of the twelfth century, put it. But there is a danger in thinking only in terms of detachment as Jesus indicates in his story of the man who had been emptied of evil but not filled with good . . . .; we must go …
Prayer, The Lord Bless You with His Goodness, Rest, Power, Wisdom, Patience, Hope
The Lord Bless You with His Goodness, Rest, Power, Wisdom, Patience, Hope May the Lord show you the greatness of his goodness, that you overflow with thanks every day. May the Lord bless you abundantly with rest for the heart, power for virtue, wisdom for life, and patience in suffering. May the Lord bless you with joyful hope, and one …