Author Archives: Michael Summers
A Survivor Prays on Memorial Day
On Memorial Day, I remember my uncle Jimmy who was killed in action in Vietnam, grieving with my friends Ray and Rhonda at their son-in-law’s memorial, praying at a ceremony at a French military Memorial Day ceremony in 2002, and … Continue reading
A Disciple’s Full-Bodied Prayer
Humility and gratitude flow through prayer in Psalm 40, grounded in a full-bodied devotion to the Lord God. The psalmist recognizes his helplessness without God; he recalls how God not only rescued him previously, but also provided for him: “I … Continue reading
Father, Hear the Prayer We Offer
Originally posted on Call for Fire Seminar:
What does the homeless woman pray as she huddles under a cardboard shelter? What did the religious among the schoolchildren who drowned in South Korea pray as they sank beneath the surface? What…
Prayer for Victory over a Virus
How does one conquer a pandemic?It’s difficult; it’s so systemic,Everywhere you look, people in masks,And if not, “Why?” Someone asks.While we battle a novel disease,Wishing it would depart, please,While we fend it off, staying apart,Washing our hands, doing our partBy … Continue reading
Praying when Very Sick
Life-threatening illness erases our calendar and makes us reassess our priorities. Because it often separates us from friends and, in the age of COVID, even family, it may isolate us from previous support systems. We may feel abandoned or at … Continue reading
Thanking God for Saving by the Resurrection
Because he arose,We will arise.We are saved by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Three hours of darkness had transformed the landscape outside Jerusalem while Jesus hung, suffering and dying, to a cross. His family, his followers, Roman Soldiers, and scoffing … Continue reading
PRAYER AT THE CROSS
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:31). Many prayers ascended to God that Spring day,Calls for fire to hold unjust Death at bay.A group of women huddled near a crossOn which … Continue reading
Prayer of the Righteous Man
“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:17). God hears, and delivers the righteous … Continue reading
Prayer When All is Lost and We Doubt God’s Presence
How would you act if suddenly what gave you a sense of security was taken away? How and what would you pray? Would you pray? In Rumaan Alam’s novel Leave the World Behind, two families from different racial and social … Continue reading
