Tag Archives: conversion
Two Prophets and a Sinful City
Two prophets to Nineveh preach destruction for that powerful city. Jonah, the earlier prophet, preaches a message of doom to people whom he detests. They heed his warning. They fast and pray for repentance to Jonah’s God, asking for deliverance. … Continue reading
A Prayer for Comfort and Forgiveness
I planted tomato seeds this year. Eventually, plants emerged and began to grow among the stakes I had placed to support them as their fruit grew and made them heavier. Small yellow flowers appeared, then were replaced by small green … Continue reading
A Prayer for an Unjust Nation Threatened by Terror
He prayed while his contemporaries trusted in rituals and practiced a syncretistic religion that mixed elements of nature religion with nationalism and the worship of God. He prayed while a hostile nation sent its armies to eradicate cities and demoralize … Continue reading
A Rejected Call for Fire
Rejection ignites thirst for revenge. Mix in messianic fervor and one can sense the intense anger growing. This desire for conquest and revenge appears in Luke 9:51-56. Jesus has set his face “resolutely toward Jerusalem.” Although Jewish travelers from Galilee … Continue reading
Confessing in Prayer in Hope of Forgiveness
Confession in prayer to God equates to admission of guilt to a superior. When one admits guilt, he or she declares liability, and eligibility for whatever punishments accrue to the crime. Confession, while it may result in punishment, often results … Continue reading
Prayer That Asks, “God, Don’t You See What Is Happening?”
Sometimes leaders who pray may want to ask, “Where are you, God? Why do you tolerate injustice?” Jeremiah, proclaiming that God would punish Israel by means of pagan nations, encountered bitter opposition. Even his own relatives conspired against him, and … Continue reading
Praying for Disciples Who Want to Give Up
Sometimes it’s hard to be a Christian. We falter in our dedication. People don’t appreciate our faith, or worse, persecute us because of it. In such situations we need reassurance and hope. It was just such Christians that the book … Continue reading
