Author Archives: Michael Summers
Is God for Us or for Our Enemies?
As his Israelite army prepared to attack what even then was the ancient city of Jericho, Joshua “looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went to him and … Continue reading
A Prayer for Courage on an Anniversary of Evil
Originally posted on Call for Fire Seminar:
A prayer I offered in 2012 front of an assembly from several nations in Kabul for Patriot Day (September 11): O God, Creator of all, Sustainer of life, our Refuge from disaster, we…
A Prayer that We Will Find our Security in God
Originally posted on Call for Fire Seminar:
Fifteen years ago, the fabric of security in which Americans had wrapped themselves was ripped away as hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania. Our…
A Prayer that We Will Flee from Idolatry
The book of 1 John begins with focus on Jesus: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched – this we … Continue reading
Thanking the Judge of the Nations
Give thanks when God answers your “call for fire” prayers. We ask when we want or need. We lament when we grieve. We praise God when we rejoice in his grace and love. Let’s remember to say thank you when … Continue reading
Praying with Integrity
When we are hurting, we want to lash out. In anger, or in despair, we abandon love. We flee from trust, even as we crave to trust and long to be trusted. In Psalm 7, a psalmist under attack prays … Continue reading
The Joy of Your Presence: A Poem of Prayer
A sense of calm enveloped me in a gentle embrace That eroded the frantic terror that life’s movement weaves When skeptics mock and bullies impede running my race. Deriding study and laughing at knowledge, they bask In ignorance, and when … Continue reading
Prayer about a Father’s Hope
Originally posted on Call for Fire Seminar:
I preached about “A Father’s Hope” this past Sunday. Drawing from Isaiah chapters 7-9, I discussed how Isaiah’s sons participated in his ministry and became part of his message. As Isaiah proclaimed his…
A Prayer for Vindication When Enemies Surround
He prays earnestly. He cries for justice. He insists that he is innocent: “Though you probe my heart, though you examine me at night and test me, you will find that I have planned no evil; my mouth has not … Continue reading
The Empty Pews Sing Softly
Originally posted on Call for Fire Seminar:
The empty pews sing softly, echoing back melodic tones Wafted by faithful worshipers scattered in erratic zones Through a hall reserved for moments of joy and grief, Exultation and lament, fervor and hopeful…
