Tag Archives: glorifying God

Prayer When Suffering and Confused

Posted on June 29, 2014 by Michael Summers

The biblical book of Job poses paradoxes and disputes that confuse the ablest of scholars. A righteous man suffers total loss of possessions and is afflicted with a horrible disease. His friends and peers first sit silently and compassionately with … Continue reading →

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Yearning for God in the Night

Posted on June 17, 2014 by Michael Summers

“The way of the righteous is level; O Just One, you make smooth the path of the righteous. In the path of your judgments, O LORD, we wait for you; your name and your renown are the soul’s desire. My … Continue reading →

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Prayer That Is Remembered

Posted on June 2, 2014 by Michael Summers

“Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth … Continue reading →

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A Prayer on Mother’s Day

Posted on May 11, 2014 by Michael Summers

Isaiah the prophet said that God said concerning his people, “As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice; your bodies shall flourish like … Continue reading →

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Prayer and the Holiness of God

Posted on April 30, 2014 by Michael Summers

In my previous post, I reflected on how God’s forgiveness and discipline intertwined in our lives, gleaning principles from Psalm 99 and Hebrews 12. Psalm 99 also teaches some powerful truths about holiness and the sovereignty of God in connection … Continue reading →

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Prayer After Reflecting on God’s Forgiveness and Discipline

Posted on April 27, 2014 by Michael Summers

April 20-26 has been filled with meaningful events in my life. I was born on April 26; years later I was baptized on April 20. Several other significant events, including some of both my happiest and most bitter memories, occurred … Continue reading →

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Praying With An Undivided Heart

Posted on April 15, 2014 by Michael Summers

In the midst of Psalm 86’s barrage of “calls for fire” (14 petitions) is a penetrating insight enclosed within a request, “Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart that … Continue reading →

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As a Runner Prays

Posted on April 5, 2014 by Michael Summers

In this deviation from my normal posts, I share with you an attempt to merge my loves for God, poetry and running: A squirrel scurries up a nearby tree, Startled by a heavy rhythmic tread. The leaves of trees and … Continue reading →

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Praying Without Fear

Posted on April 3, 2014 by Michael Summers

The prayer of Psalm 56 is a true call for fire. Its composer has identified enemies who threaten him. They pursue (or “trample”- NRSV) him. They conspire against him; he says that “they lurk, they watch my steps, eager to … Continue reading →

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Prayerful Leadership and Samuel’s Farewell

Posted on March 30, 2014 by Michael Summers

The transition from prophet and judge Samuel to King Saul was an awkward moment. Moses had warned centuries earlier what would happen if Israel decided to enthrone a human monarch. Now, after decades of what they will admit was just … Continue reading →

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