Tag Archives: discernment
A Prayer When Adrift
As our small boat moved away from the floating house we had just visited, choppy waves rocked it and, I will admit, made this poor swimmer rather uneasy. When our vessels motor stalled, my apprehension increased I thought about Jonah’s … Continue reading
The Impact of Emotion on Prayer
Environment and emotions sometimes shape our prayers as much as a desire to please God. At a gathering of charged-up believers, our prayers may resound with joy and assurance of victory. When a child dies or another interview fails to … Continue reading
Praying for Relief
My life has been packed with travel, learning, teaching, and prayer in recent weeks. I have spoken to groups in Georgia, Tennessee, and Washington (the state). I’ve had a physical fitness test within three weeks of oral surgery (I do … Continue reading
Praying Past Fear to Action
Some biblical prayers inspire us with depth of faith; others almost shock us with words of anger. On some occasions, we know little, if anything, of what the person who called for fire prayed. We know only that they prayed … Continue reading
A National Prayer of Confession for Sins of Previous Generations
Nehemiah chapters 8 and 9 record the formal spiritual restoration of a nation. Having returned from deportation to Babylonia, the Jewish people renew their allegiance to God. Their devout governor has helped refocus their attention on prayer and integrity. A … 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
When God Says No
Psalm 51 immerses us in David’s repenting for his adultery with Bathsheba and his murder of her husband Uriah. His expression of repentance in that Psalm stirs our hearts with its sincerity and frankness. We may, in our admiration of … Continue reading
Surviving the Sifting of Our Faith
Christian leaders pray for their followers. Jesus set the pace for this principle. After the disciples argue concerning who will be the greatest in the kingdom, Jesus teaches them that the one who rules among them must be like one … Continue reading
Call for Fire Seminar 